Jeep News

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Fiat

Chrysler LLC has concluded its 7-hour-long marathon presentation of the business plan (read our Live Blog of the event here) that will see it through the next five years, and what we’re left with is a little confusing. It’s almost as if the automaker’s new executives, amidst apologizing for the company’s past and promising to do better in the future, were hoping we’d all fall asleep or get lost in the details. Well, we didn’t fall asleep or get lost, and below you’ll find a breakdown of what we learned while spending the day hip deep in Chrysler’s future product. You can also check out the slides from Chrysler’s presentation relating to product in the gallery below.

Models On Their Way Out

• Jeep Patriot (end of 2012)
• Jeep Compass (end of 2012)
• Jeep Commander (end of 2010, may continue being sold internationally)
• Chrysler PT Cruiser (end of 2010)
• Dodge Dakota (mid 2011)
• Dodge Caliber (mid 2012)
• Dodge Viper (mid 2011, may return in 2012)

New Models That Are Coming

• Jeep compact SUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, may be Panda)
• Jeep small CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat, replaces Patriot and Compass)
• Jeep Liberty (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Chrysler compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat, replaces PT Cruiser)
• Chrysler Sebring (2013, replaced by Fiat product but retains name)
• Chrysler midsize CUV (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Ram midsize unibody pickup (under consideration for 2011)
• Ram large and small commercial van (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge small car (2013, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge compact sedan (2012, supplied by Fiat)
• Dodge Avenger (major update 2010, replaced by Fiat product 2013)
• Dodge full-size CUV (2010)
• Fiat 500 (late 2010, convertible 2011, Abarth 2012)

Models Staying, Receiving Attention

• Jeep Wrangler Diesel (2010/2011, not confirmed for U.S. market… yet)
• Jeep Grand Cherokee (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler 300C (all-new 2010)
• Chrysler Town & Country (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)
• Ram 1500/2500/3500 (major update 2012)
• Dodge Journey (major update 2010)
• Dodge Nitro (major update 2011 under consideration)
• Dodge Challenger (refresh 2011)
• Dodge Charger (all-new 2010)
• Dodge Grand Caravan (major update 2010, next-gen 2014)

UPDATE: You can dive whole hog into the plan yourself at Chrysler’s website.

View Poll

Chrysler’s 5-Year Business Plan: The Product Breakdown originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Minivan/Van, SUV, Technology, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Starting in late December, Chrysler Group LLC will take claim as the first U.S. automaker to offer live mobile television in its Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles. Programming for up to 20 channels will come through FLO TV[TM] Auto Entertainment and will offer shows for nearly everyone. As of now, the lineup includes CBS Mobile, CNBC, Comedy Central, FOX News, MSNBC, MTV, Nickelodeon, and more.

While companies have offered “live” TV in the past through large and expensive roof-mounted satellite dishes, the Mopar system captures signals through a mouse-size roof antenna. The feed arrives via a dedicated multicast network from FLO TV (a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc.). The associated receiver and wiring are all hidden, so that they remain out of view to the vehicle’s occupants. Utilizing the existing DVD system’s 7-inch display, passengers will be able to use a wireless remote control to surf channels, much like they do with current home-based systems.

The $629 (plus installation) package will be offered as a deal-installed option on most new Chrysler SUV/minivan products, and may be retrofitted to some older vehicles equipped with DVD entertainment systems. The cost of system, however, includes a one-year pre-paid FLO TV service subscription. As long as Sponge Bob is on, we’re sure many of Chrysler’s smallest customers will be quite happy.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler gets in-car TV going with FLO TV

Chrysler gets in-car TV going with FLO TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Jeep, Fiat, Off-Road

It comes as little surprise that Jeep is looking beyond its current Patriot and Compass models, which have, to put it mildly, underperformed in the burgeoning compact CUV market. While the two concepts had lots of potential, the actual production ComPatriot twins were deemed uncompetitive with class leaders right when they were launched.

As such, the two models are both destined to meet their makers after the 2012 model, to be replaced by a single model sourced from Fiat. Can you say Panda (the image above is just a possible rendering, not a production car)? It’s also worth noting that the iconic Wranger will get mild makeovers for both the 2010 and 2011 model years along with what seems likely to be a special 70th Anniversary Wranger for 2011.

Across the line, all Jeeps will reportedly come with an optional Trail Rated package, which means no more on-road only models like the Compass are likely to dilute the Jeep brand. That edict includes the new Grand Cherokee, and Jeep says the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee has already successfully tackled the legendary Rubicon Trail and Moab.

Jeep Patriot and Compass being replaced by models from Fiat… Panda, here we come! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, SUV, Jeep, Off-Road

Jeep Lower Forty - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Our SEMA coverage generally doesn’t include too much from the off-road segment, but the Jeep Lower Forty concept in the Mopar booth was too good to pass up. Sporting 40-inch Mickey Thompson tires, this Jeep can pretty much go wherever it wants without the help of a suspension lift. Granted, plenty of bodywork was removed to make the new rubber fit, but impressive nonetheless. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 sends grunt to a six-speed manual transmission before hitting all four wheels via a Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle fitted with 5.38 gears.

Additional features include a carbon fiber hood, custom bikini top, a chopped windshield, and a color-matched interior with Katzkin leather seating. You can read more details after the jump, and we have plenty of high-res photos in the gallery below.

Photos Copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading SEMA 2009: Jeep Lower Forty a favorite in the Mopar display

SEMA 2009: Jeep Lower Forty a favorite in the Mopar display originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Fiat

Finally, after years of mismanagement marked by a distinct lack of tangible product decisions, the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brands seem likely to get a thorough makeover via its new Fiat corporate overlords. Whether this turns into a good thing or bad thing for the three brands remains to be seen, and the stage is set for the plan to be officially released on November 4.

The Wall Street Journal has apparently procured a little inside knowledge on the plan, and, if accurate, there are a few surprises. First, the expected: Chrysler will begin offering the Fiat 500 in its own U.S. dealerships as soon as possible; Alfa Romeo will make its long-awaited American comeback with an established dealer network and the majority of the Dodge and Chrysler lineups will be reworked atop Fiat platforms, save the rear-wheel drive architecture of the Dodge Charger/Challenger and Chrysler 300.

Looking further down the line, the Dodge Grand Caravan will reportedly be dropped in favor of the Chrysler Town and Country and unloved nameplates like Dodge Nitro, Caliber and Avenger will be forgotten, probably along with the Jeep Patriot and Compass. New models will be brought in from Fiat to replace these outgoing cars, including a new mid-size sedan in 2012. Finally, Alfa Romeo’s resurgence will begin with the subcompact MiTo in 2012 and a larger sedan a year later.

We won’t know how much of this is accurate until we hear it from the horse’s mouth next Wednesday, but it definitely gives us plenty to chew on. Thanks to all who sent this in!

[Source: Wall Street Journal | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Wall Street Journal makes early Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat predictions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, Jeep

Remember California’s “Cool Cars” regulation? Coming into force in 2012, the rule requires manufacturers to install windows that prevent 45% of the sun’s energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. It’s the law that no one thinks is cool at all. In a minor victory against The Golden State’s increasingly severe environmental regulations (and we live there and love it, but still…), the soft-top Jeep Wrangler has reportedly been given an exemption.

Specifically, any flexible plastic window is exempt. Said a CARB representative, “If the plastic windows are rigid, they must comply with the same standards as glass windows, beginning with the 2012 model year.” If not for the flexible-window exemption, Chrysler wouldn’t have been allowed to sell the Wrangler in California with the soft top because its plastic windows would have been non-compliant. Chrysler’s Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) were also threatened, but are now safe from the regulation as well.

As for the other issue — radio wave interference that degrades GPS and other signals — CARB said it hasn’t found any such problems in its testing. But who knows, now that the Jeep gets a pass, carmakers might just put flexible windows in every car sold in CA … and how cool would that be?

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Jeep Wrangler safe from CARB “Cool Cars” proposal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Concept Cars, SEMA Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, SUV, Truck, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Off-Road

The performance-partsgasm that is Las Vegas’ SEMA Show may be down on fuel this year because of the state of the economy, but that isn’t stopping the Chrysler Group from unveiling four concepts based on the models in its lineup that are arguably the most endearing to the aftermarket. To that end, the company’s Mopar devision has lavished a bunch of custom bits on everything from a pair of Jeep Wranglers (one of which is fit to sleep in, and the other looking fit enough to climb a wall) to a streetable 556-horsepower Dodge Challenger, and a dolled up Dodge Ram 1500.

Perhaps our favorite vehicle of the lot is the Wrangler “Lower Forty” - an imposing rig that uses a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine to churn its massive 40-inch tires. If it looks familiar, that’s because it was first shown at the Moab Safari in April. Interestingly, the huge running gear upgrade has been applied to a standard ride-height two-door Rubicon - no suspension or body lift has been fitted. What has been screwed on, however, are new fender flares that ride four inches higher than stock, and they’re an inch wider, too. Other trick bits include a new integrated roll cage, a relocated spare tire, a new drop-down tailgate with an old-school stamped Jeep logo. Did we mention the slick three-inch chop and the extra ten degrees of rake applied to the windshield?

Follow the jump for more details on the three remaining Chrysler SEMA show vehicles.

Continue reading Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery

Chrysler previews four Mopar SEMA concepts for on- and off-road mastery originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Technology, Chrysler, Jeep

New “Cool Cars” regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) could put an end to the Jeep Wrangler soft-top sales in the Golden State thanks to standards so stringent that the popular 4×4 won’t be able to meet them. According to The Detroit News, CARB’s latest controversial initiative requires automakers to build cars and trucks with windows which prevent 45% of the sun’s energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. To meet these provisions, vehicle manufacturers will have to utilize advanced window glazing containing microscopic specs of reflective metal oxide.

Coating vehicle glass with a metallic layer wreaks havoc on any vehicle electronic device relying on a clear “view” of the world outside. Garmin, a leading manufacturer of GPS devices, says satellite reception through coated glass will be degraded. In addition, cell phones, wireless laptop devices, garage door openers, and even ankle bracelets for parolees “may be adversely affected by the metallic reflective standard” as they all rely on signals passing cleanly through automotive glass.

For what it’s worth, Honda tried utilizing the same technology in Japan two decades ago, yet dropped it due to problems with radio wave devices. We are assured that the Jeep soft-top won’t have those problems simply because the technology cannot be applied to flexible plastic windows. Without an exemption for that model, Chrysler will only be allowed to sell hardtop Wrangler vehicles in California.

[Source: The Detroit News]

CA “cool car” regs to kill Jeep Wrangler, interfere with phones, garage openers, ankle bracelets? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Rumors floating around since mid-summer that Chrysler would split the Dodge car and truck businesses into two separate units are now a reality. Chrysler Group LLC now consists of four brands: Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Car and Dodge Ram. In early July after the latest iteration of Chrysler emerged from federal bankruptcy court, it was announced that the three existing brands would each get their own President and CEO with profit and loss responsibilities. As of today, only Michael Manley keeps his job as the boss of Jeep. Peter Fong, who had been put in charge of the Chrysler brand, has resigned for personal reasons and is being replaced by Lancia chief Olivier Francois who will also continue to oversee the Italian brand.

Former Dodge CEO and marketing boss Michael Accavitti is leaving Chrysler to pursue other activities, and the marketing group will now report to Francois. The Ram side of the business now falls to Fred Diaz Jr. (right), who also takes over the sales reigns from Fong. Product design SVP Ralph Gilles (left) now also has responsibility for Dodge cars. Got all that?

The automaker’s car and truck units were apparently split in order to “… protect and develop the unique nature of the product offerings within the Dodge Brand,” although it’s not exactly clear what is meant by this. In any case, you can try to make further sense of the moves by checking out the official press release after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Officially Official: Dodge splits off Ram brand with new exec appointments

Officially Official: Dodge splits off Ram brand with new exec appointments originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Classics, SUV, Jeep, Specialty

There will always be something special about the Jeep Grand Wagoneer that keeps the original Sport Utility Vehicle entrenched firmly on our list of truly iconic American automobiles. Somehow, despite the old-school design and fake wood paneling, the GW manages to look both classy and capable at once.

Though we’ll take our Grand Wagoneer exactly as God and American Motors intended, we think this stretched limo-spec Woodie is rather tastefully done as well. If nothing else, it’s far cooler that any stretched-to-the-hilt Hummer H2 we’ve ever laid eyes on. According to the seller (the original ad can be found here), this model is an ‘87 and features the trusty 360 cubic inch V8 engine, automatic transmission and the requisite four-wheel drive.

It looks to be in good shape inside and out, as it should with just over 43,000 miles showing on the clock. As an added bonus, this Grand Wagoneer sports an attractive black exterior, a fake forest’s worth of wood paneling and a very nice tan interior. Take it home for $24,900. Just be sure to replace those awful wheels with something more appropriate… like stock steelies with chrome trim rings.

[Source: Hemmings Auto Blog]

For Sale: The most Grand Wagoneer ever made originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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