Archive for category Jeep
2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave Design
Under the management of Fiat, the Chrysler Group has pursued an important strategy — steady product improvement. This includes the gradual introduction of new trim levels on existing models to improve the appeal of its overall lineup. The late
st model to receive an incremental update is Jeep’s iconic Wrangler.
Introduced in 2007 and treated to a comprehensive interior revamp at the beginning of the 2011 model year, Jeep is now showing off the Mojave trim level of the brand’s spiritual leader, the third-generation JK Wrangler. The package is a combination of some of the most popular features of the other trim levels for the Wrangler, including the side steps from the Sahara trim, and the wheels and tires from the legendary and beloved Rubicon model.
The icing on the cake is a unique graphics package consisting of lizard decals and fender graphics. To add some flair to the interior, the lizard graphic is embossed on the front seats. Beefing up the exterior is a black fuel-filler door and taillight guards. The Mojave trim package will be available on both the standard Wrangler and the four-door Unlimited starting in June. Read the rest of this entry »
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Following the debut of the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it didn’t take long before the questions and the rumors started flying: Will Jeep bring back the Cherokee SRT8? Chrysler’s Street and Race Technology team remained quiet through all the spe
culation and waited until the 2011 New York auto show to deliver its answer in the form of its latest uber-Jeep, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.
When we tested the first-gen Cherokee SRT8 around California’s Willow Springs Raceway back in 2006, we quickly discovered that its 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 — rated at 420 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque — helped make it one of the fastest and most agile sport/utilities we had ever tested, outperforming the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in the skidpad, slalom, and 0-60 mph time (4.8 to 5.1 seconds, respectively).
Not surprisingly, Chrysler’s revamped 6.4-liter Hemi has been fitted under hood of the new super Jeep. Both the horsepower and torque figures bump up to 465, 45 more than before. Jeep is still rating the 0-60 mph time at 4.8 seconds, although there’s a good chance that Chrysler may be sandbagging. We’ll find out soon enough when we get our hands on one.
More power, however, doesn’t equate to decreased fuel economy, thanks to Chrysler’s Fuel Saver Technology and new-for-2012 active valve exhaust system, which deactivates four cylinders in most cruising situations. Read the rest of this entry »