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 adding 200 jobs at Ohio Jeep Wrangler plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/chrysler-adding-200-jobs-at-ohio-jeep-wrangler-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/chrysler-adding-200-jobs-at-ohio-jeep-wrangler-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/chrysler-adding-200-jobs-at-ohio-jeep-wrangler-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 - orange - front three-quarter view, muddy

Chrysler is betting that the Jeep Wrangler will continue its strong sales surge as it continues to push the legendary brand out across the globe. The Auburn Hills automaker is reportedly adding 200 workers at the Toledo, Ohio plant that builds the Wrangler. What's more, those new hires will be at their posts quickly - they'll be on the job by April 1. Of those 200 workers, 130 employees will be there to relieve those who need breaks.

Why do they need so many relief workers? The Toledo Jeep Complex is currently working at a torrid pace with two ten-hour shifts. A third shift has been ruled out for the moment because of a production botttleneck - the plant's paint shop is already maxed out. According to Reuters, Wrangler production in 2012 cleared 200,000 units, and US sales were up by 16 percent.

Another part of the Toledo plant is presently down as Chrysler retools the line to build Jeep's divisively styled Liberty replacement, the Cherokee (seen in our gallery below). Production for the new model is scheduled to begin toward the end of May.

Chrysler adding 200 jobs at Ohio Jeep Wrangler plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jeep wrangler2014 jeep cherokeecherokeejeeptoledotoledo jeep complextoledo ohiowranglerFri, 15 Mar 2013 15:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20505658/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/chrysler-adding-200-jobs-at-ohio-jeep-wrangler-plant/20505658/article-detail.xml 20505658 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeeprubicon15-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeeprubicon15-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Another crazy custom Jeep Wrangler spotted in Morocco]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/03/another-crazy-custom-jeep-wrangler-spotted-in-morocco/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/03/another-crazy-custom-jeep-wrangler-spotted-in-morocco/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/03/another-crazy-custom-jeep-wrangler-spotted-in-morocco/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jeep Wrangler International custom

What in the world is the vehicle you see above? Well, um... yeah. We have no idea. According to the video description from YouTube, however, it's a modified Jeep Wrangler, and it comes from the same person who created the equally insane side-by-side merged Wrangler you saw here.

We can clearly make out the Wrangler-shaped passenger compartment up top, but as for the other bits and pieces that make up this rather amazing machine, your guess is as good as ours. At the very least, it seems to us that the car's wheelbase has been given a significant stretch, and the grille may have come from an International LoneStar Harley-Davidson Special Edition semi truck.

What other components are sourced from the massive International hauler? No idea. We suggest you check out the video below and draw your own conclusions. Oh, and if you've got any other ideas, feel free to let us know in the Comments.

Continue reading Another crazy custom Jeep Wrangler spotted in Morocco

Another crazy custom Jeep Wrangler spotted in Morocco originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>internationalinternational harley-davidsoninternational lonestarjeeplonestarmoroccosemisemi truckvideowrangleryoutubeSun, 03 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20486187/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/03/another-crazy-custom-jeep-wrangler-spotted-in-morocco/20486187/article-detail.xml 20486187 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeep-wrangler-international_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeep-wrangler-international.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep Wrangler diesel likely after 2015 model refresh]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/jeep-wrangler-diesel-likely-after-2015-model-refresh/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/jeep-wrangler-diesel-likely-after-2015-model-refresh/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/28/jeep-wrangler-diesel-likely-after-2015-model-refresh/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

We automotive journalists aren't always the right people to ask about whether a US-spec vehicle should or should not be offered with a diesel powertrain (hint: the answer is usually "YES"). But when it comes to the iconic, off-road-ready Jeep Wrangler, we aren't the only ones who have been clamoring for an oil-burning engine behind that famous seven-slat grille. To that end, it appears there's good news on the horizon, as Jeep CEO Mike Manley recently told Ward's Auto that the "Wrangler is on the radar to get (a) diesel."

"I'm confident that the Grand Cherokee will show just how large a demand there is for diesel, and I think what that will do is reinforce the need for us to target Wrangler as a vehicle that can take a diesel," Manley told Ward's. The most rugged of Jeeps is scheduled to get an overhaul around 2015-16, and the diesel powertrain will likely be introduced around that time.

This year alone, Chrysler will be adding a diesel engine to the Grand Cherokee SUV, as well as the Ram 1500 pickup and Promaster utility van.

It's unclear if the Wrangler will get a new diesel engine or if Chrysler will use one of its existing oil-burners. The Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 will be powered by the new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, while the Ram Promaster uses a less-powerful 3.0-liter four-cylinder. In Europe, the Wrangler currently uses a 2.8-liter diesel V6, which we've had the chance to test (and enjoy). Of course, we won't get too excited until the ink has dried on an official announcement, but for now anyway, things are certainly looking good.

Jeep Wrangler diesel likely after 2015 model refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdieseljeepwranglerwrangler unlimitedThu, 28 Feb 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20482937/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/28/jeep-wrangler-diesel-likely-after-2015-model-refresh/20482937/article-detail.xml 20482937 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeeprubicon14-1362066875_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeeprubicon14-1362066875.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4X4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/2013-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-4x4/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/2013-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-4x4/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/2013-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-4x4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ice skates are spectacular on frozen water, yet they are dreadful everyday footwear. I consider the Jeep Wrangler equally as specialized.

I recently spent a week with a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4X4. Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Wrangler Unlimited is a standard JK two-door with 20.6 inches added to its wheelbase and two additional doors bolted to its passenger compartment. While Jeep offers the Unlimited in seven different trim levels, the desirable Rubicon is the most capable when the pavement ends, as it boasts a slew of hardcore off-road tools including front and rear electronic locking differentials and a front sway bar that can be disengaged at the touch of a button for improved articulation. My I-Look-Like-A-Traffic-Cone test model started with a base price of $34,095 (plus $995 destination). Options including a five-speed automatic transmission, Uconnect, tow package and a premium soft top, drove the bottom line up to $38,630.

Driving Notes
  • On one hand, it would be difficult to find a new vehicle less competent on pavement. Despite its many improvements over the years, handling is still very sloppy, with initial turn-in delayed and mushy. The brakes felt strong, but stopping distances seemed long. Most of the blame is aimed at the aggressive BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires. The rubber is excellent for post-apocalyptic travel, but the tire's large tread blocks squirmed uncomfortably when tasked with changing direction on pavement. (To allay any concerns, stability control bundled with electronic roll mitigation is standard, so it would take real effort to actually get a wheel off the ground.)
  • On the other hand, few vehicles on the market are as competent off-road - and none are at this price point. Exploring Hungry Valley SRVA, an off-road park north of Los Angeles, the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon was all but unstoppable. I drove effortlessly through deep, soft sand, climbed steep hills like a mountain goat and danced through sticky mud. Generous approach and departure angles allowed the Jeep to go where other rigs only dream, and the electronic sway bar disconnect system allowed the live axles to articulate at obscene angles.
  • Thanks to its strong Pentastar V6 (new for 2012), the Rubicon had plenty of power. The off-road park is up near 5,000 feet in elevation, but the 3.6-liter pulled strongly and never felt out of breath. Fuel economy isn't impressive, but that is what Jerry Cans are for.
  • The ride quality of the long-wheelbase four-door is predictably better than on the two-door. My passengers found the second row fairly comfortable compared to the rear accommodations in a compact SUV or CUV. Some occupants, especially younger ones, complained about the lack of running boards as the step-in is high (in Jeep's defense, the low-hanging protrusions just get in the way off-road), and everyone complained about drafts from the soft top. Of course, it was nothing but smiles when the truck was flinging muddy water all over itself - kids love Jeeps.
  • I really enjoyed the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon when used as its engineers intended, and this recent engagement put me in the camp of true believers. Even so, it's important to mention that hardcore off-roaders should consider the standard two-door model for its greater agility on trails. The extended wheelbase on the Unlimited becomes an Achilles' heel, as it increases the turning radius (by about three feet) while reducing the truck's break-over angle.

2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4X4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jeep wrangler unlimitedfeaturedjeepjeep unlimitedquick spinquickspinrubiconwranglerWed, 13 Feb 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20455517/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/13/2013-jeep-wrangler-unlimited-rubicon-4x4/20455517/article-detail.xml 20455517 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeeprubicon15-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/jeeprubicon15-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep sets all-time sales record in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/jeep-sets-all-time-sales-record-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/jeep-sets-all-time-sales-record-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/09/jeep-sets-all-time-sales-record-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Last year was good to Jeep. Chrysler has announced its trail-rated brand set an all-time global sales record in 2012 by moving 701,626 units. That number easily surpasses the previous record set in 1999 when Jeep sold 675,494 models. All told, the brand saw a 19-percent sales increase worldwide over 2011, and much of that swell can be traced directly to the Wrangler. While the Grand Cherokee led Jeep sales, the Wrangler posted record numbers both globally and within the US, moving 194,142 and 141,669 units in each market, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Compass beat its previous global sales record with 103,321 units rolling off of dealer lots. In the US, Jeep sold 62,010 Patriot units, breaking that model's previous record as well. Jeep's impressive performance in 2012 marks the second year in a row the brand has seen double-digit percentage sales increases. Check out the full press release below.

Continue reading Jeep sets all-time sales record in 2012

Jeep sets all-time sales record in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslercompassgrand cherokeejeepjeep compassjeep grand cherokeejeep patriotjeep record salesjeep sales recordjeep wranglerpatriotwranglerWed, 09 Jan 2013 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20423304/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/09/jeep-sets-all-time-sales-record-in-2012/20423304/article-detail.xml 20423304 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep Wrangler gets the wide-track treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/jeep-wrangler-gets-the-wide-track-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/jeep-wrangler-gets-the-wide-track-treatment/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/07/jeep-wrangler-gets-the-wide-track-treatment/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



When we read the tip about a Gulf-state diplomat in Rabat, Morocco who had supposedly "merged two Jeep Wranglers," we figured the two off-roaders were somehow linked front-to-back. Oh no. As you can see in the image above, taken from video of that vehicle actually traveling down the road and needing more than one lane to do it, the two Jeeps were put together side-by-side.

The seriously widebody truck is said to have six wheels, one at each corner and two in the middle. That's about all anyone seems to know about it at the moment, and that's probably enough - in these situations you know better than to ask why, just watch the video below.

Continue reading Jeep Wrangler gets the wide-track treatment

Jeep Wrangler gets the wide-track treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jeepmiddle eastmoroccorabatvideovideoswrangleryoutubeMon, 07 Jan 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20419781/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/07/jeep-wrangler-gets-the-wide-track-treatment/20419781/article-detail.xml 20419781 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/twinnedwrangler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/twinnedwrangler.jpg <![CDATA[The List #0004: Conquer the Rubicon Trail]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/the-list-0004-conquer-the-rubicon-trail/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/the-list-0004-conquer-the-rubicon-trail/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/the-list-0004-conquer-the-rubicon-trail/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jessi and Patrick of The List drive the Rubicon Trail

Throughout the course of the year, we've had Jessi and Patrick check off some big items on our list of 1,001 Car Things To Do Before You Die - things like lap the Nürbugring, drive over 200 miles per hour and race in the Baja 1000. But one item has been conspicuously absent: conquering the Rubicon Trail.

The ultimate test for off-roaders, the Rubicon Trail is a storied path over terrain that's practically inaccessible by 99.99 percent of production vehicles. Jeep, however, prides itself on selling products designed to traverse this granddaddy of off-road trails, and there are none so capable in its showroom as the Wrangler.

Jeep was kind enough to lend us a shiny, new Wrangler for this challenge, knowing full well it would not be returned unmolested, and to aid our intrepid hosts in their quest, we paired them with organizers of the famed Jeepers Jamboree, who were headed deep into Rubcon Springs for their annual bash. Unfortunately, the weekend turned somber with a reminder of just how dangerous off-roading can be, which in turn made Jessi and Patrick's exit from this adventure more dramatic than they had planned.

Watch Jessi and Patrick tackle the Rubicon Trail below, and if you've got an idea for The List, submit it by clicking the "Your List" link below.



Have an RSS feed? Click here to add The List.

Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

Continue reading The List #0004: Conquer the Rubicon Trail

The List #0004: Conquer the Rubicon Trail originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjeepjeepers jamboreejessi combspatrick mcintyrerubicon springsthe listthe-listwranglerTue, 11 Dec 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20398981/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/11/the-list-0004-conquer-the-rubicon-trail/20398981/article-detail.xml 20398981 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/the-list-rubicon-trail_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/the-list-rubicon-trail.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: Andre Agassi's Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-andre-agassis-hemi-powered-jeep-wrangler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-andre-agassis-hemi-powered-jeep-wrangler/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-andre-agassis-hemi-powered-jeep-wrangler/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Andre Agassi's Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler

Before retiring in 2006, tennis legend Andre Agassi played big on the court, and, apparently, played really big off road. His heavily customized 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited has been served up on eBay Motors and, you might expect, it's as bold as Agassi himself.

The Wrangler began with a humble 3.8-liter V6, rated at just 202 horsepower. Obviously that's not enough oomph for a celebrity sports star, because Agassi had Burnsville Offroad replace the anemic plant with a more appropriate 6.1-liter Hemi V8. To handle the 420 horses, Burnsville added a 545 RFE automatic transmission, Rancho 9000 shocks, tubular doors and LNG suspension system that presumably gave the Vegas-native all the offroad capabilities he needed to navigate the Nevada countryside. Or the Strip.

Seller Classic & Collectible Cars of Las Vegas says almost $80,000 was spent on the 4x4 at The Custom Shop, also in Nevada. That's on top of the cost of the original vehicle. For that kind of money, you might think they would have thrown in some custom interior pieces, too, but at least the auction winner will have a custom sound system to enjoy.

As of this writing, the auction bidding is at $33,100 after 18 bids, a fraction of that claimed customizing bill. Reserve hasn't been met, but a listing on C&C's website shows a $48,995 asking price.

eBay Find of the Day: Andre Agassi's Hemi-powered Jeep Wrangler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 jeep wranglerandre agassiburnsville offroadclassic collectible carsebay motorshemihemi jeephemi wranglerjeepjeep unlimitedlas vegaswranglerMon, 10 Dec 2012 13:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20397190/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/10/ebay-find-of-the-day-andre-agassis-hemi-powered-jeep-wrangler/20397190/article-detail.xml 20397190 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/andre-agassis-hemi-v8-wrangler_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/andre-agassis-hemi-v8-wrangler.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition is a trail-eating off-road beast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-10th-anniversary-edition-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-10th-anniversary-edition-la-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-10th-anniversary-edition-la-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition

Difficult as it may be, the reality of the matter is that there are a lot of vehicles in the United States that can make it through the daunting stretch of dirt, rocks and elevation changes that is the Rubicon Trail. That said, there isn't a single production vehicle available today that can navigate the off-road playground with as much aplomb as the Jeep Wrangler.

And no Jeep Wrangler rolling off the factory production line has ever been as off-road-ready as the 2013 Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition.

What makes this rugged machine so capable? It all starts with the steel front bumper that is ready to accept a winch and features removable end caps that allow the massive BF Goodrich 265/70R17 tires unimpeded access to the ground below and in front. In other words, this Wrangler can climb like a mountain goat.

Also included is a half-inch ride-height increase for additional clearance, electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles with 4.10 ratios and locking differentials. Rounding out the package are a dual-intake Power Dome hood, red tow hooks, Mopar rock rails and the buyer's choice of Billet Silver, White or 10th Anniversary Edition-exclusive Anvil paint and red leather inside.

Check out our live images above, and feel free to peruse the press release below.

Continue reading 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition is a trail-eating off-road beast

2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition is a trail-eating off-road beast originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2013 jeep wrangler2013 jeep wrangler rubicon 10th anniversary editionjeeplala auto showrubiconwranglerWed, 28 Nov 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20390223/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-10th-anniversary-edition-la-2012/20390223/article-detail.xml 20390223 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jeep-rubicon-10th-anniv-la_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jeep-rubicon-10th-anniv-la.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition gets full frontal exposure]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-10th-anniversary-edition-gets-full-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-10th-anniversary-edition-gets-full-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-10th-anniversary-edition-gets-full-fr/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Being one of the more difficult off-road trails in the US and a test bed for Jeep products, the Rubicon Trail's name was first used on the Jeep Wrangler starting in 2003. Ten years later Jeep is celebrating the Wrangler Rubicon with a special package that makes it, "The most off-road capable Wrangler in history."

That's a pretty bold statement, but it definitely seems feasible after looking at some of the added equipment on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition, such as a new winch-capable steel front bumper with removable end caps that allows full frontal exposure of the meatier BF Goodrich tires for better rock-crawling abilities. This new bumper alone allows the Wrangler to take on obstacles such as rocks or ruts practically head on, but the package also gives the Rubicon an extra half-inch lift and taller 265/70R17 tires.

Aside from its improved off-road prowess, the new model also has enough of a styling change to easily distinguish it from the standard Rubicon. For starters, the new front and rear bumpers and black-accented wheels give the Rubicon a beefed-up look, and a vented hood looks like it was sculpted by the same team responsible for the hood on the SRT Viper. The Anniversary Edition also gets plenty of plenty of color with red accents added to the front and rear tow hooks, shocks and a full red leather interior. The exterior will only be offered in three colors including an package-exclusive new blue-ish hue called Anvil, which is shown above. Mopar even gets in on the celebrations with finishing touches like black rocker panel rails, taillight guards and fuel door all coming standard.

The Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition is available on both the two-door Wrangler and the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, and while pricing has yet to be determined, the commemorative model goes on sale in the spring of 2013. Scroll down for the full press release.

Continue reading 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition gets full frontal exposure

2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition gets full frontal exposure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 la auto show2013 jeep wrangler rubicon2013 jeep wrangler rubicon 10th anniversary editionjeeplala auto showwranglerwrangler rubiconWed, 28 Nov 2012 00:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385469/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-10th-anniversary-edition-gets-full-fr/20385469/article-detail.xml 20385469 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-1353513760-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-2013-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-1353513760-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Four Wheeler</i> crowns Ultimate Factory 4x4... who wins?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/four-wheeler-crowns-ultimate-factory-4x4-who-wins/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/four-wheeler-crowns-ultimate-factory-4x4-who-wins/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/four-wheeler-crowns-ultimate-factory-4x4-who-wins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ultimate Factory 4x4

Nearly every automaker doing business in the SUV or pickup truck segments offers a package designed to improve the off-road capabilities of its wares. But, of course, not all such factory kits are created equal. How, then, to separate the wheat from the chaff? Gather each of them up and put them through their paces, naturally.

The folks from Four Wheeler and PickupTrucks.com joined forces to run just such a comparison test, with the winner named the Ultimate Factory 4x4. A total of seven vehicles showed up to the fight: the 2012 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2012 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X and Xterra PRO-4X, 2012 Ram Power Wagon, and 2012 Toyota 4Runner Trail and Tacoma TRD T|X Baja Series.

With the contestants in place, the whole crew put each vehicle through a battery of tests that included skidpad and acceleration measurements, a hillclimb, a rocky stairstep course and a rock garden. Considering the nature of the beasts, on-road ride and comfort were not part of the routine.

So, which four-wheeler ended up on top? Click here to read the results, and don't act like you're surprised by the victor.

Four Wheeler crowns Ultimate Factory 4x4... who wins? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4runnerF-150 SVT Raptorfactory off-roadfordfour wheelerfrontierjeepnissanoff roadpower wagonramtacomatoyotaultimate factory 4x4wranglerxterraThu, 15 Nov 2012 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20380104/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/15/four-wheeler-crowns-ultimate-factory-4x4-who-wins/20380104/article-detail.xml 20380104 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ultimate-factory-4x4_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ultimate-factory-4x4.jpg <![CDATA[ActionCamper turns your four-door Jeep Wrangler into an off-road RV for two]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/03/actioncamper-turns-your-four-door-jeep-wrangler-into-an-off-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/03/actioncamper-turns-your-four-door-jeep-wrangler-into-an-off-road/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/03/actioncamper-turns-your-four-door-jeep-wrangler-into-an-off-road/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited ActionCamper with top popped

The Jeep Wrangler is already one of the best off-road vehicles on the market, but Thaler Design will help turn your Wrangler Unlimited into the ultimate off-road RV with its ActionCamper kit. The Austrian company adds a fiberglass camper shell featuring a pop-up soft top with enough space for a two-person weekend adventure. Even better, the top is removable (with very heavy lifting required) and it only adds a net 440 pounds to the Wrangler's curb weight after components such as the factory top, rear doors, rear seat and roll bars are all removed.

With the styling of an old military ambulance, the ActionCamper is about everything you need for a short off-road excursion, including a plenty of storage space, a refrigerator, stove, toilet and sink. The camper comes with a four-gallon fresh-water tank as well as a black-water (sewage/drainage) tank that can hold 5.5 gallons. The extendable nozzle from the sink can also be used as a shower. There's also a fold-out king-size bed and, with the top popped, you get enough room in the kitchen/sitting area for a six-foot, three-inch person to stand up.

GizMag says the ActionCamper has a retail price of $53,500, not including the donor Jeep. That's serious money but it's still cheaper than the survivalists' special Earthroamer XV-JP.

ActionCamper turns your four-door Jeep Wrangler into an off-road RV for two originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actioncampercampercampingjeeprvthaler designwranglerwrangler actioncamperwrangler unlimitedSat, 03 Nov 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20368829/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/03/actioncamper-turns-your-four-door-jeep-wrangler-into-an-off-road/20368829/article-detail.xml 20368829 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jeep-wrangler-actioncamper_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jeep-wrangler-actioncamper.jpg <![CDATA[Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/mopar-jeep-sand-trooper-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/mopar-jeep-sand-trooper-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/mopar-jeep-sand-trooper-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Jeep Wrangler Sand Trooper

There's no doubt that the Jeep Wrangler is a shining beacon of aftermarket success here at the 2012 SEMA Show. If there's any one vehicle that can stake a claim to challenging the Scion FR-S and Ford Mustang in the sheer-number-of-vehicles contest, it's Jeep's iconic off-roader.

So it comes as little surprise that Mopar is interested in picking up a bit more of that market with its own factory-approved line of performance parts. In an effort to showcase what it offers in its catalog - "a portfolio of high-end, hard-core Jeep parts including axles, lift kits, bumpers, winches, skid plates and suspension components," says the company - Jeep has unveiled the Wrangler Sand Trooper that you see above.

Included in the upgrade list is a 5.7-liter Hemi engine conversion, portal axles, eight-lug beadlock wheels and a full underbody skidplate. Body bits consisting of half doors, a vented hood, flat fenders, a massive front bumper fitted with a Warn winch and a suite of LED lighting bits and a smattering of black trim round out the look.

See all these bits and pieces in our high-res gallery above and check out the official press release below.

Continue reading Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper

Mopar launches Jeep Performance Parts with Wrangler Sand Trooper originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jeep wranglerjeepsemasema 2012wranglerwrangler sand trooperThu, 01 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367158/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/mopar-jeep-sand-trooper-sema-2012/20367158/article-detail.xml 20367158 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jeep-wrangler-sand-trooper-sema_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jeep-wrangler-sand-trooper-sema.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep JK Six Pak Concept is the three-row family off-roader you've been hankering for]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/jeep-jk-six-pak-concept-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/jeep-jk-six-pak-concept-sema-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/01/jeep-jk-six-pak-concept-sema-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Quality Metalcraft's CEO Michael Chetcuti has got big plans for the Jeep Wrangler - big enough to seat six, in fact. This QMC Jeep dubbed the JK Six Pak, for obvious reasons, is here at SEMA as a sort of proof of concept project.

QMC has married the front portion of a JK Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door with the back half of the two-door vehicle, using a minimum of fabrication work to keep things clean and simple. The Six Pak rides on a custom lengthened chassis that was designed by Jeep aftermarket stalwart American Expedition Vehicles. In fact, AEV parts were used fairly extensively in this project: the front and rear bumpers, heat-extractor hood and roof rack all wear its stamp.

Other than the 4.5-inch lift kit and external AEV add-ons, the Six Pak actually looks remarkably like something that could have come from Jeep's own headquarters. The interior of the thing is well finished and seems awfully well screwed together for a one-off project that didn't roll out of an OEM workshop, which is, after all, kind of the point.

Chetcuti and QMC don't have any concrete plans to go forward with series production of the Six Pak... for now. The CEO did tell us that response to the concept has been overwhelmingly positive from SEMA show-goers so far, and that his dream scenario would be a tie-up with Jeep that would allow for reasonable access to the parts needed to build the six-seater on a grander scale.

You can show your support for the Six Pak, or just keep track of its progress, via its Facebook page, and/or by giving your opinions in comments below.

Jeep JK Six Pak Concept is the three-row family off-roader you've been hankering for originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredjeepjeep jk six pakjk six pakjk six-packmichael chetcutiquality metalcraftsemasema 2012third rowthree rowwranglerThu, 01 Nov 2012 13:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20367332/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/01/jeep-jk-six-pak-concept-sema-2012/20367332/article-detail.xml 20367332 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/02-jeep-jk-six-pack-concept-sema-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/02-jeep-jk-six-pack-concept-sema-opt.jpg <![CDATA[SEMA crowns Mustang, FR-S as this year's hottest cars in the building]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/sema-crowns-mustang-fr-s-as-this-years-hottest-cars-in-the-bui/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/sema-crowns-mustang-fr-s-as-this-years-hottest-cars-in-the-bui/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/sema-crowns-mustang-fr-s-as-this-years-hottest-cars-in-the-bui/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



After wrapping up the first day of the 2012 SEMA Show, organizers handed out awards for some of the trendiest vehicles on display. Since the whole point of SEMA is to show off new products available in the aftermarket world for use in cars, trucks and SUVs, each year, the show distinguishes the most popular vehicle in various segments. Not surprisingly, this year's Hottest Car and Hottest Sport Compact are the Ford Mustang and Scion FR-S, respectively, while the Ford F-Series brought home the Hottest Truck and the Jeep Wrangler was named the Hottest 4x4-SUV.

More than 2,000 companies are at this year's show, and the display booths represents a "vote" for each car to determing the trendiest vehicles in each of the four categories. It isn't clear if these awards also take cars brought by OEMs into account, but the Mustang and FR-S were definitely well represented by both OEM and aftermarket show versions.

As usual, the OEMs showed up in force at the this year's SEMA Show exhibiting a variety of cars ranging from production-intent cars like the beastly Ford Mustang Cobra Jet to much flashier rides like Scion's Carbon Stealth FR-S.

We've obsessively covered Day One of the show already, but stay tuned for our continued live coverage.

Continue reading SEMA crowns Mustang, FR-S as this year's hottest cars in the building

SEMA crowns Mustang, FR-S as this year's hottest cars in the building originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-seriesfordfr-sjeepmustangscionsemasema 2012sema show hottest 4x4 suvsema show hottest carsema show hottest sport compactsema show hottest truckwranglerWed, 31 Oct 2012 17:40:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365999/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/sema-crowns-mustang-fr-s-as-this-years-hottest-cars-in-the-bui/20365999/article-detail.xml 20365999 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mustang-cobra-jet-concept-sema-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mustang-cobra-jet-concept-sema-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler previews SEMA showcars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/chrysler-previews-sema-showcars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/chrysler-previews-sema-showcars/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/chrysler-previews-sema-showcars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mopar Fiat 500 Beach Cruiser headed for SEMA 2012

Chrysler is taking on the 2012 SEMA Show in Las Vegas in a big way, with a sprawling 15,300 square-foot display encompassing a total of 24 modified vehicles. We got a chance to preview some of those creations, including the plucky little Fiat 500C you see above. Designers decided to take a page from the West Coast custom scene with unique widebody fender flares. The 500 Beach Cruiser sits a full foot wider front and rear thanks in part to a set of prototype aluminum wheels. We dig on the louvers and the wooden surfboard rack, too (though with the canvas lid slid back, we're guessing it'd make for some interesting tan lines).

Of course, it wouldn't be a Mopar booth without at least one outrageous engine swap. The Dodge Charger Juiced fills that role this year with a Viper V10 crate engine worth a full 650 horsepower. Other stars include the Chrysler 300 Luxury, with its unique True Blue Pearl paint and Katzkin leather interior, as well as the 392-powered Urban Ram and carbon-fiber laden Dodge Dart Carbon Fire (which appears to be nearly identical to the car we showed you in spy shots last week). You can check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Chrysler previews SEMA showcars

Chrysler previews SEMA showcars originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300500500cchargerchryslerchrysler 300 luxurydartdodgedodge charger juiceddodge dart carbon firefiatfiat 500 beach cruisergrand cherokeejeepjeep grand cherokee half halfjeep wrangler sand troopermoparsemasema 2012sema showurban ramviperwranglerFri, 12 Oct 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20348694/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/12/chrysler-previews-sema-showcars/20348694/article-detail.xml 20348694 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mopar-fiat-500628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/mopar-fiat-500628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Chrysler trademarks 8 Mile, ProMaster]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/chrysler-trademarks-8-mile-promaster/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/chrysler-trademarks-8-mile-promaster/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/chrysler-trademarks-8-mile-promaster/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fiat Ducato van - red - front three-quarter view

Chrysler has been busy at the trademark office. Allpar.com reports the manufacturer has laid claim to a stack of new names, including Detroit Motor Works, Wrangler Freedom Edition, 8 Mile, Crossroad and Chrysler 100, as well as Ram ProMaster and the Ram ProMaster City. The automaker has made no secret of the fact that it wants to build a new small car, and that the machine will almost certainly ride under the Chrysler 100 banner. Dealers reportedly got a closer look at the vehicle at a recent gathering in Las Vegas.

Likewise, the two ProMaster names are little surprise, as Fiat intends to give the Ford Transit and Transit connect some competition with its own European-style Ducato vans. Now it looks as if those will come with ProMaster badges.

But, names like Detroit Motor Works, 8 Mile and Crossroad all leave the door open for some speculation. Allpar.com also reports Chrysler has laid claim to Active Air, which it speculates may be applied to the company's variable-length intake runners.

Chrysler trademarks 8 Mile, ProMaster originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8 milechryslerchrysler 100chrysler trademarkcrossroaddetroit motor worksducatoeight milepromasterpromaster cityram promasterram promaster citytrademarkwranglerThu, 20 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20328050/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/20/chrysler-trademarks-8-mile-promaster/20328050/article-detail.xml 20328050 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/fiat-ducato-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/fiat-ducato-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jeep Wrangler + tow ropes + canal = wakeboarding fun]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/jeep-wrangler-tow-ropes-canal-wakeboarding-fun/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/jeep-wrangler-tow-ropes-canal-wakeboarding-fun/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/17/jeep-wrangler-tow-ropes-canal-wakeboarding-fun/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



These are the kinds of activities that one may conjure up and say "what if?" but few ever actually follow through on. That said, we don't recommend trying this at home (err... your "home" canal, that is).

The video, by Devin Graham, perhaps inaccurately named "Ghetto Wakeboarding," shows a pack of suburban kids towing a series of wakeboard-riding daredevils down a rural canal by way of Jeep Wrangler. It looks like a heck of a lot of fun.

We say that the video may be inaccurately named, because we could never envision this taking place in the ghetto. As a matter of fact, this looks like a pretty well-to-do group of teens, on a pristine late-model Jeep and filmed on a Canon 5D Mark III- not an inexpensive piece of equipment by any stretch.

Click below to check out the video, which bears a passing resemblance to a late-1990s jeans commercial.

Continue reading Jeep Wrangler + tow ropes + canal = wakeboarding fun

Jeep Wrangler + tow ropes + canal = wakeboarding fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canalghetto wakeboardingjeepjeep wranglerwake boardingwakeboardingwranglerMon, 17 Sep 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20324978/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/17/jeep-wrangler-tow-ropes-canal-wakeboarding-fun/20324978/article-detail.xml 20324978 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/wakeboard-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/wakeboard-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab Special Edition announced]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/2013-jeep-grand-cherokee-trailhawk-and-wrangler-moab-special-edi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/2013-jeep-grand-cherokee-trailhawk-and-wrangler-moab-special-edi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/2013-jeep-grand-cherokee-trailhawk-and-wrangler-moab-special-edi/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk - front three-quarter view

Jeep has lifted the lid on two new special editions for its lineup, both focused on energizing the brand's spiritual base of off-roading enthusiasts.

First up is a production version of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk - an SUV first shown in concept form at Jeep's recent Easter Safari event in Moab, Utah. Available in both V6 and V8 powertrain configurations, the Trailhawk is easily recognizable as a rare bird via its signature appearance package. A black hood decal with red accent stripe dominates the front end, while 18-inch aluminum wheels, black headlamp buckets, gray grille surround, a rear light bar and signature badging complete the visual upgrades.

Of course, the Trailhawk is meant to be the functional front-runner for Grand Cherokee off-road prowess, too. The special edition GC comes standard with beefy, Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires for sturdy, puncture-free trail driving. The Trailhawk also benefits from steel rock rails to keep its body safe. And, as befits the Jeep legend, a Quadra-Lift air suspension is in evidence, along with the standard Selec-Terrain traction control system, a rear electronic limited-slip differential for V8 models, a two-speed transfer case and much more.

2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab - front three-quarter viewNot to be outdone by the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Wrangler is also getting some special edition love. The Wrangler Moab Special Edition starts life as a top-of-the line Wrangler Sahara, in both two- and four-door form, before it is fitted with some extra off-roading kit.

Functional upgrades for the Moab include the same Kevlar tires as on the Trailhawk, along with a standard Trac-Lok rear differential (an electronic locking rear diff is available, too), winch-ready bumpers, rock rails and 17-inch Rubicon alloy wheels. The Wrangler Moab has also been treated to a unique hood, black accents on the fuel filler cap and taillamps, a premium soft top and, of course, edition-specific badging.

Look for both the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and the Jeep Wrangler Moab to arrive at dealers this October.

Continue reading 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab Special Edition announced

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Wrangler Moab Special Edition announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 jeep grand cherokee2013 jeep wranglergrand cherokeegrand cherokee trailhawkjeepoff-roadwranglerwrangler moabTue, 04 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20315569/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/04/2013-jeep-grand-cherokee-trailhawk-and-wrangler-moab-special-edi/20315569/article-detail.xml 20315569 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/02-2013-jeep-grand-cherokee-trailhawk628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/02-2013-jeep-grand-cherokee-trailhawk628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Decision on a Jeep pickup coming soon, truck could come on Wrangler or Fiat platform]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/decision-on-a-jeep-pickup-coming-soon-truck-could-come-on-wrang/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/decision-on-a-jeep-pickup-coming-soon-truck-could-come-on-wrang/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/decision-on-a-jeep-pickup-coming-soon-truck-could-come-on-wrang/#commentsFiled under: , ,



"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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gladiatorjeepjeep gladiatorjeep jk8jeep pickupjk8mike manleywranglerMon, 13 Aug 2012 10:53:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20299032/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/13/decision-on-a-jeep-pickup-coming-soon-truck-could-come-on-wrang/20299032/article-detail.xml 20299032 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/jeeppickupdecision_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/jeeppickupdecision.jpg -1 2