Autoblog

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Wrangler to get color-matched hardtop? *UPDATE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

2011 Jeep Wrangler spy shots - Click above for image gallery

As the most iconic model from a certifiable American institution such as Jeep, it comes as little surprise that every new version of the venerable Wrangler (or CJ if you happen to remember Carter's presidency) causes pangs of distress from Jeep's loyal fanbase. Still, from the square headlights of the original Wrangler YJ to the coil springs of the Wrangler TJ and finally - and easily the most egregious of all in our eyes - the loss of the stalwart 4.0 HO inline-six in favor of the 3.8-liter V6 from a minivan in the latest JK, the Wrangler has continued to sell.

That doesn't seem likely to change for 2011, either. From what we can tell from these few spy shots that were snapped at the Jeep factory in Toledo, Ohio, the biggest external change to the next Wrangler is the inclusion of a color-matched hardtop. This is definitely not a bad thing. We can only hope that the next significant alteration to the tried-and-true off-roader-for-the-masses model includes a new drivetrain. Pentastar V6, please, along with automatic and manual transmissions with six forward ratios each. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

*UPDATE: Thanks to some eagle-eyed readers, we just noticed that these 2011 Wranglers also seem to sport a new, more aerodynamic front bumper design as well. Thanks qwerty777!

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler spy shots

[Source: The Toledo Blade]

Spy Shots: 2011 Jeep Wrangler to get color-matched hardtop? *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Off-Road

Mopar Sketches for the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari - Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler has announced that it will launch four new "Moparized" (their term, not ours) models on March 27 at the 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah: the Jeep Wrangler J7, Jeep Patriot Extreme, Jeep Wrangler Trail Boss and Ram Power Wagon.

First off, there's already a 2010 Dodge Ram Power Wagon, but it appears that this version will sport just two doors instead of the current four-door model. We also note plenty of flat black accents, including the wheels, grille and hood, which are set off by what appears to be a neon green stripe. Out back is a customized bed that includes an external fullsize spare tire rack. Ford SVT Raptor fighter? We'll see.

Moving on to the Jeep Patriot Extreme, we see a bright orange (EXTREME!!!) paint scheme highlighted (or is that lowlighted?) by more flat black accents on the grille and hood along with a two-inch Rocky Road Outfitters suspension lift, TJ 'Moab' 16-inch wheels and BF Goodrich KM2 tires. Lest we forget, there's also an uplevel Kicker stereo system and a roof-mounted snowboard rack.

Finally, we have a pair of Wranglers. The first is the J7, which is based on the four-door Unlimited Rubicon model and is "designed to have the basic appeal of military-issued vehicles." The second Wrangler is called the Trail Boss, and all we know about that one is that it's "a two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that is built for serious off-road duty." Check out the high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: Mopar sketches for 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari

Chrysler releases new "Moparized" concept renderings ahead of 44th Annual Easter Jeep Safari originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Jeep dealers face shortage of hardtop Wranglers

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:20:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

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

If there's one vehicle that has managed to persevere through Chrysler's ups and downs as of late, it's the Jeep Wrangler. This trusty off-roader is still the SUV of choice for enthusiasts who actually need true four-by-four capability, and its iconic design is still very well liked. However, the Wrangler is facing some troubles of its own, as many dealers are now reporting a shortage of hardtop models.

According to Automotive News, parent company Chrysler is stating that a "supplier constraint" is what's causing this overall shortage. Meridian Automotive Systems Inc., the company that originally manufactured the roof units for the Wrangler, filed for Chapter 7 liquidation last year, so production of the hardtops was shifted to a different supplier - Continental Structural Plastics Inc., located in Detroit. Chrysler says that tops are extremely complex to manufacturer, so the move in suppliers has put a significant dent in overall production.

In the meantime, Chrysler is urging dealers to order softtop Wranglers while it works with the new supplier to ramp up production of the hardtop units. During this shortage, we wouldn't be surprised if Wrangler sales dip slightly, since in most markets the vast majority of customers purchase the hardtop models.

Gallery: 2010 Jeep Wrangler

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Jeep dealers face shortage of hardtop Wranglers originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence

Michael Harley — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Jeep, Off-Road

Owners of model year 2007-2008 Jeep Wranglers with automatic transmissions may have to visit their local dealers as Chrysler is recalling 161,450 of the SUVs over potential transmission overheating problems. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), Wrangler models manufactured between June 2006 and July 2008 with automatic transmissions were not fitted with a transmission fluid temperature warning system. If the AT fluid in the affected vehicles overheats, it may boil over and come in contact with hot engine or exhaust components - possibly leading to a fire.

To help alert drivers that their Jeep's transmission is overheating, dealers will inspect and install a visual "Hot Oil" message in the instrument cluster accompanied by an audible chime to indicate the elevated fluid temperature. The service will be performed free of charge starting in December. For more information, owners of the affected models may call Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403, NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236, or visit www.safercar.gov. Full press release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence

Jeep recalling over 161k 2007-2008 Wrangler AT models due to tranny temp. sensor absence originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Truck, Hummer, Jeep, New Car Reviews, Off-Road

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited vs. Hummer H3T - Click above for high-res image gallery

Last year, we compared the dirtside manners of the Hummer H2 and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both trucks did everything we asked of them, but at the end of the excursion we were left with another question begging to be answered: could the Hummer H3T stand up to the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon? These cruiserweights live on a fatter part of the buying curve, and any time a Jeep is summoned to the ring, the other vehicle is inevitably the challenger. Even though the H3T is still relatively new to the world, it came time to find out if it was ready to stand up and fight for its place. Follow the jump to see how it held up.

Gallery: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Continue reading Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T

Autoblog Comparo: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon vs. Hummer H3T originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4

Chris Shunk — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Jeep, New Car Reviews, Off-Road

2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Jeep Wrangler is designed to be one of the most capable vehicles on the planet. It can climb a 45-degree grade, tread through 30 inches of water and crawl down a rock-filled hillside - all with the top down and the doors off. Its shape hasn't changed much over the years, primarily because Jeep owners like the way the Wrangler looks and its aesthetic exists to support this rugged off-roader's functionality.

The Wrangler has stood the test of time, but an influx of capable and comfortable SUVs meant that the tried-and-true Jeep was in need of an update. To appeal to Wrangler enthusiasts who need more interior flexibility, Chrysler finally decided to pull the trigger on a four-door model. To the surprise of nobody, the Wrangler Unlimited has been one of the few hits from Chrysler in recent years, at one point prompting a dealer waiting list for the longest-running Jeep. We wanted to try the four-door Jeep for ourselves, so we welcomed a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon into our garage for a week-long run.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4

Continue reading Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4

Review: 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4x4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Heavy-duty Jeep J8 now available everywhere but here

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Jeep, Military

Click above to enlarge this picture of the Jeep J8

Who doesn't get the Jeep J8? Um, that would be the United States, Home of Jeep. Hardly seems fair... considering that pretty much every other country in the world gets a crack at the ultra-Wrangler, which comes equipped with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel with 158-horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Memo to Chrysler: The Wranger is screaming out for a small displacement diesel engine. No? Fine. We can understand the fact that this engine isn't certified for sale in the States and it would be expensive to make happen. At least the Pentastar brand could offer the J8's nearly 3,000-pound payload capacity via rear leaf springs and reinforced frame in its home market. Still no dice? Could we at least get the pickup bed as an option on the Unlimited chassis? Not likely, would be our best guess. Oh well, we can wish.

Gallery: Jeep J8

[Source: Allpar]

Heavy-duty Jeep J8 now available everywhere but here originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mopar intros chrome grille for Jeep Wrangler

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Chrysler, Jeep

For Wrangler owners who believe that it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that... chrome, Mopar has a delivery for you. The new chrome grille, only for the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, lets you front more of the shiny stuff in case you haven't been getting the kind of attention you deserve at chi-chi establishments. It's got all the Jeep fixin's, it installs in 20 minutes, and it'll only set you back $299. Even better, according to Chrysler, it will "turn heads on the trail or at a red-carpet event." You really don't have a choice not to buy this. Follow the jump to read the full press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Mopar intros chrome grille for Jeep Wrangler

Mopar intros chrome grille for Jeep Wrangler originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep helping Chrysler retain market share

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:26:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Chrysler, Earnings/Financials

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Compass, and Patriot are helping Chrysler defend its market share in a declining sales environment. Between these new models and incentives on Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, Chrysler has managed to stay 0.1% ahead of the market's year-on-year drop in sales. The Wrangler Unlimited is proving a noteworthy boon, helping lift Wrangler sales by 71% year-over-year. Steve Landry, Chrysler's EVP of North American sales said, "The four-door has really created a halo effect for the Jeep brand, bringing people into the Jeep showrooms and it has improved our two-door sales."

Although Chrysler-brand vehicles lead the way among the Big Three in incentives, Jeep has placed little reliance on them. The numbers mean that Chrysler's market share has actually improved a tiny bit, from 12.85% to 12.86% in the US. It's a minuscule improvement to be sure, but for a company that has been through the wringer over the past few months (years, some would say), it's still a great statement.

[Source: Freep]

Jeep helping Chrysler retain market share originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep J8 marks brand's return to military duty

Alex Nunez — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:22:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Jeep, Military

Click image for high-res gallery of the Jeep J8

Remember those Jeep Wrangler pickup spy shots? Now we know the details. That vehicle was one of the variants of the new Jeep J8. The J8 is based on the Wrangler Unlimited and has been designed for military and civilian government use. It sports a reinforced frame and upgraded suspension that includes the much-discussed rear leaf springs that were pointed out in the earlier spy photos. Maximum payload is 2,952 lbs. as a result.

It'll be offered as both a four-door that looks mostly like the civilian Wrangler Unlimited and a 2-door pickup. Jeep sneakily showed off the pickup body on the very awesome SEMA-bound JT Concept earlier this year. The J8 is designed to be very flexible, and will be available in a variety of seating/cargo configurations in both left- and right-hand drive (again, this explains the RHD version captured in spy photos).

Power comes from a 158-horsepower / 295 lb-ft 2.8L 4-cylinder turbodiesel mated to a 5-speed automatic and Jeep's Command-Trac 4WD system. The powertrain affords the J8 a maximum towing capacity of 7,716 lbs. Another feature unique to the J8 is its air-intake system, which uses a hood-mounted snorkel that lets it ford bodies of water up to 30 inches deep and operate in sandstorm conditions up to five hours.

For full information on the J8, follow the jump for the official press release from Jeep. The truck made its debut today at the DSEi trade show in London, and it will be produced in Cairo, Egypt at a Chrysler LLC joint-venture facility. It will officially become available next Spring, though only for military and civilian government use. Sorry, no civilian sales will be offered.

[Source: Chrysler]

Gallery: Jeep J8

Continue reading Jeep J8 marks brand's return to military duty

Jeep J8 marks brand's return to military duty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Wrangler gets high, sets record

Alex Nunez — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Etc., Jeep

Click image for photo gallery

The Jeep Wrangler has set the Guinness World Record for highest altitude attained by a four-wheeled vehicle after ferrying Matthias Jeschke and his Extrem Events adventure team up Chile's Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano on Earth. The trek from base camp to the world record height ran from March 7 to March 13, when the team's pair of Wrangler Rubicon Unlimiteds checked in at 6,646 meters, or 21,804 feet.

The Wranglers, stock save for Goodyear MT/R rubber (it stands for Maximum Traction/Reinforced), winches, and electronic altimiters, crossed a glacier and climbed up difficult terrain in inhospitable conditions (thin air, extreme cold, etc.) as part of the endeavour, earning raves from Jeschke on the blog he kept during the trip. His daily reports make for an interesting read despite his penchant for using "Jeep(R)" to the point of distraction (yes, the automaker was a sponsor, but come on). It's in there that we learned that both Kia and Mitsubishi have teams working on the record, too, so we'll keep an eye out for updates on those efforts as well. Today, however, the title belongs to Jeep.

Press release after the jump.

[Sources: Chrysler Group, Höehenrekord 2007]

Gallery: Jeep Wrangler Altitude Record

Continue reading Jeep Wrangler gets high, sets record

Jeep Wrangler gets high, sets record originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Want a Wrangler Unlimited? Be prepared to wait

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Jeep

The DCX crew didn't anticipate the strong reception that the Jeep Unlimited would be granted when it was released earlier this year. The four-door Wrangler's popularity has put Chrysler in the enviable position of not being able to keep supply up to meet the demand, especially when said off-roader is equipped with the FreedomTop and MyGIG entertainment system.

According to a statement from the Product Communications rep, D.W. Bodene, "We're building new Wranglers as fast as we can, but it's a vehicle whose popularity exceeded our expectations." He goes on to point out that Wrangler sales were up in February by 63 percent and by 124 percent in January.

We're not quite sure what the rest of you are seeing on Jeep lots, but the few Wrangler Unlimiteds we've spied haven't been hanging around for long and the dealers are tacking on a markup accordingly.

[Source: Straightline]

Want a Wrangler Unlimited? Be prepared to wait originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep gets its SEMA on with Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited

John Neff — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 07:17:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, SUV, Jeep

UPDATE: New, hi res photo added and details from press release

Click the pic for a hi res image

We're not done yet with the flood of vehicles the Chrysler Group has prepared for the SEMA show in Las Vegas next week. The next one comes from Jeep in the form of the diesel-powered Wranger Rubicon Unlimited. The Jeep/Truck engineering-design shop run by Ralph Gilles has beefed up the Wrangler Unlimited with a pair of Tru-Lok Dana 44 axles capped with 35-inch BFG tires mounted on custom 18-inch aluminum rims by Taneisya. The Warn winch up front provides a Get Out of Jail Free card for the careless rock crawler, and it's mounted on an American Expedition Vehicles front bumper. All exterior body panels are sprayed with Rolex Silver paint that turns the Wrangler Rubicon Limited into a passable Mercedes-Benz G-wagon impersonator. But what really excites us about this Jeep is the 3.0-liter CRD diesel engine that powers it. We count ourselves in the camp that's very eager for Jeep to drop an oil-burner into the Wrangler, especially since the new Wrangler's 3.8-liter V6 doesn't have the same low end grunt the previous in-line six possessed. We're hoping this SEMA concept from Jeep is a portent of things to come for the Wrangler.

BTW - Jalopnik also has live shots of the Nitro Panel Wagon we previewed last week.

[Source: Jalopnik]

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Continue reading Jeep gets its SEMA on with Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited

Jeep gets its SEMA on with Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Oct 2006 07:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wanna win a Dodge Challenger?

John Neff — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:56:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Chrysler, Daimler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler launches "Ask Dr. Z" Dream Car Sweepstakes

click on above image for high resolution version

Or new Chrysler Sebring? Or Jeep Wrangler Unlimited? Chrysler has announced the kickoff of its "Ask Dr. Z" Dream Car Sweepstakes that will run between August 15 and September 4. Entering involves visiting a Dodge, Chrysler or Jeep dealership and picking up an entry code that you then plug into the "Ask Dr. Z" website. A total of nice vehicles will be given away, three of each model.

Though many pundits have already called Chrysler's "Ask Dr. Z" campaign a failure because of the automaker's disappointing sales figures for July, Chrysler is quick to point out that traffic to its websites are up and Web leads have increased by 27 percent. Its own research reveals that 83 percent of in-market consumers find DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche credible and believable. A contest involving the giveaway of three Dodge Challengers seems to us a surefire way to increase the site's web traffic tenfold and drive people into dealerships, even if only to pick up an entry code.

[Source: The Chrysler Group]

Wanna win a Dodge Challenger? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi TT debuted by Dita Von Teese in U.K.

John Neff — Thu, 11 May 2006 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Audi

Audi is beginning to rival DaimlerChrysler for the title of most eye-catching debuts in all of autodom. While DCX hired desperate housewife Eva Longoria to intro its Imperial Concept at the Detroit Auto Show and buried the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited in a mound of dirt at the New York Auto Show, Audi hooked up with the German government to debut the TT alongside an oversized sculpture called The Automobile and now has introduced the new coupe in the U.K. with the help of burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese. The TT will go on sale in Britain in October with the 2.0T priced at priced at £24,625 ($45,423 US) and the 3.2 quattro at £29,285 ($54,109 US), Dita Von Teese not included.

[Source: Fourtitude]

Audi TT debuted by Dita Von Teese in U.K. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 May 2006 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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