Saturday, May 7, 2011
Sandy Sanderson’s Can Cars Are Automotive Art Par Excellence
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Kansas Thieves Targeting....Jeep Wrangler Doors
New Jeep 3.0-liter V6 Turbo
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Jeep to Revive Grand Wagoneer Nameplate with New 7-Seat SUV, Marchionne Says Commander was "Unfit for Human Consumption"
In talking with reporters on Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chrysler and Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to bring the Jeep Grand Wagoneer nameplate back to life with an all-new seven seat SUV model, based on the underpinnings of the recently launched Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.
“It's time we gave the market an upper-scale Grand Wagoneer,” said Marchionne. “You'll see it in January 2013.”
As expected, reporters asked Marchionne how the Grand Wagoneer would differ from the seven-seat Jeep Commander, which Chrysler killed last year. The CEO's answer was piercingly honest: “That car was unfit for human consumption. We sold some. But I don't know why people bought them.”
Marchionne also said that the group plans to kill one of the group's two traditional minivans (either the Dodge Grand Caravan or Chrysler Town & Country) for the next generation. It is believed that the Dodge model has more chances to remain in production. The firm's CEO added the brand that loses the minivan will most likely get some kind of "people mover", possibly without sliding rear doors.
The Chrysler Group is also close to making a decision on a successor for the Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty SUVs. “It's the most significant hole in our product portfolio,” said Marchionne, adding that the Nitro needs to be replaced but not necessarily by a Dodge-branded model as Chrysler could also be up to the task. “Give us about 40 days” to make a decision, he said.
Last but not least for the Chrysler brand's fans, Marchionne re-confirmed the group's commitment to the V8 engine. “We need to continue to invest in the Hemi," he said.
Source: Autonews [Sub. Req.]
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Jeep Announces 70th Anniversary Edition Models at Detroit Motor Show
After releasing a barrage of refreshed models, Chrysler's Jeep division is now banking on a series of special edition models created to celebrate the brand's 70th anniversary.
“As part of our celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Jeep brand, we are creating stunning, premium special-edition models of each vehicle in our lineup that pay homage to the history of the legendary Jeep brand,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep.
The 70th Anniversary Edition lineup includes the 2011 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot and Wrangler, all of which are distinguished by certain unique features such as specific alloy wheels and trim options, and will all be available in a special Bronze Star exterior paint, in addition to Bright Silver and Black. The special edition models are scheduled to arrive in Jeep showrooms in the first quarter of 2011.
More details as well as pricing for each model can be found in the press release below.
PRESS RELEASE
2011 Jeep Compass 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of the Jeep Compass 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $24,270 (plus $700 destination). It is available on Compass Limited models. Features include:
- Unique, 18-inch aluminum wheel
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Dark Slate seats with perforated leather inserts embossed with Jeep logo and Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Berber floor mats and cargo area with Chestnut binding
- Unique dark green cluster overlay
- Chestnut stitching in steering wheel
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Grand Cherokee 70th Anniversary Edition is $35,770 (plus $780 destination). It is available on Grand Cherokee Laredo X models. Features include:
- Unique, polished 20-inch aluminum wheel with Mineral Gray pockets
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Dark Olive leather seats with perforated inserts with Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Black/Dark Olive with Chestnut accents is also available
- Door bolster and armrest in Dark Olive and wrapped with Chestnut accent stitching
- Center console in Dark Olive perforated leather wrapped with Chestnut accent stitching
- Black leather wrapped steering wheel with Chestnut accent stitching
- Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding
- New satin chrome-plated, graphite anodized paint and Black Lacewood interior finish
- Unique cluster overlay and needles
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
2011 Jeep Liberty 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Liberty 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $24,770 (plus $745 destination). It is available on Liberty Sport or Limited models. Features include:
- Unique 18-inch Mopar wheel with polished face and painted pockets (optional on Sport)
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Bright body-side moldings, roof rails and license plate brow
- Dark Olive/Dark Slate leather seats with Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Door armrest and center console in Dark Olive with Chestnut accent
- Leather steering wheel with Chestnut accent
- New interior satin chrome accents and bezels in anodized Silver and Black Lacewood finish
- Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding
- Unique cluster overlay and needles
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
- Mopar stainless steel sill plates
2011 Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Patriot 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $22,170 (plus $700 destination). It is available on Patriot Latitude X models. Features include:
- 17-inch aluminum wheel
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Dark Slate seats with perforated leather inserts embossed with Jeep logo and Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Berber floor mats and cargo area with Chestnut binding
- Unique dark green cluster overlay
- Chestnut stitching in steering wheel
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
2011 Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition
The U.S. MSRP of the Jeep Wrangler 70th Anniversary Edition starts at $28,670 (plus $750 destination) for 2-door models and $31,370 (plus $750 destination) for Unlimited models. It is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Sahara models. Features include:
- Unique 18-inch wheel
- 70th Anniversary badge
- Dark Olive seats with perforated leather inserts and Chestnut accent stitching and piping
- Satin chrome HVAC rings, front doorpulls and grab handle
- Automatic shift knob with satin chrome cap and bezel
- Door armrest and center console in Dark Olive with Chestnut accent
- Leather steering wheel with Chestnut accent
- Berber floor mats with Chestnut binding
- Unique cluster overlay and needles
- 70th Anniversary logo on radio screen
- Mopar brushed aluminum sill plates
2011 Jeep vehicle lineup
Jeep builds on its tradition of providing unique, iconic, versatile and capable vehicles for 2011, with its next-generation, premium flagship vehicle – the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – and with significant changes across the Jeep vehicle lineup.With the greatest range of SUVs under one brand, the Jeep vehicle portfolio consists of:
- Compass: A compact SUV with a new sophisticated, premium design for 2011, the Jeep Compass delivers unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, freedom, utility, and Jeep 4x4 cachet and capability, all at a terrific value
- Grand Cherokee: The most capable and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, balancing legendary Jeep capability with sophistication to deliver a premium driving experience for all adventures
- Liberty: The mid-size SUV from Jeep that offers Jeep Trail Rated® 4x4 capability combined with on-road refinement and numerous innovative features, including the industry-exclusive full-length Sky Slider® open canvas roof
- Patriot: A compact SUV delivering the fun, adventure and value only Jeep can offer, with unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy and segment leading capability
- Wrangler: The icon of the Jeep brand, it remains true to its heritage as the original fun-and-freedom machine. For 2011, it boasts an all-new interior, and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models
- Wrangler Unlimited: The only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers, Wrangler Unlimited receives an all-new interior for 2011 and an available premium body color hardtop for Sahara models
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Thursday, January 6, 2011
Italian Auto Union to go on Strike at Fiat’s Mirafiori Plant, Affects Chrysler Plans
In order to be able to invest €1 billion (US $1.31 billion) in a joint venture with Chrysler, Fiat needed to secure agreements with all unions representing its factory workers. However, a more hard-line Italian union, FIOM, is refusing to sign the deal Fiat is proposing for the Mirafiori plant and announced that it will go on strike later this month. In retaliation, the automaker threatened to withdraw the cash “should it not be satisfied”.
According to FIOM, CEO Sergio Marchionne managed to convince the FIM-CISL, UILM, UGL and FISMIC unions and a vote will be held on January 13-14 among Fiat employees represented by those unions to ratify the deals.
In the meantime, FIOM is staging an eight-hour strike for January 28 at the Mirafiori and other Fiat plants plus Italian institutions, labeling the deal as “an awful agreement”.
“This agreement by Fiat is outside the national metalworkers agreement as if it was a house built in a desert”, a FIOM spokesman in Italy told Just Auto. “All the other unions have signed, but FIOM has refused. We have called a strike but not only in Fiat - all of Italy on 28 January for eight hours. It is an awful agreement”, he added.
FIOM is objecting to alleged changes that Fiat wants to implement, regarding future strike rights, break times and sickness benefits.
By Csaba Daradics
Source: Just Auto [Sub. Req.]
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Thursday, December 30, 2010
2011MY Jeep Compass Facelift Priced from $19,295*, or Nearly $4,000 More than the 2010MY
The Grand Cherokee-like nose job and the upgraded standard equipment have had a negative impact on the 2011 Jeep Compass' sticker price as the refreshed crossover model will reach showrooms next month with a starting price of $19,295, not including a (*) $700 destination fee. That's close to $4,000 more than the pre-facelift 2010MY Compass, which retailed for $15,365.
However, the base version of the 2011MY Compass does come equipped with more standard features than the outgoing model including air conditioning, power windows and locks, heated power side mirrors, keyless entry, fog lamps, cruise control and tinted glass, all of which were absent on the entry-level 2010MY Compass.
The cosmetically and mechanically updated Jeep model will be offered in three trim levels, including the higher grade Latitude, which adds a CVT, heated front seats and a leather steering wheel for $21,595 (plus destination fee), and the Limited, which is powered by a 172HP 2.4-liter four-pot and starts from $24,295 (plus destination fee).
The base and Latitude trim models are offered with a 158HP 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
More details on specs in the list below.
Source: Chrysler , Via: Kicking Tires
2011 Jeep Compass pricing (2010 pricing)
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Compass Base: $19,295 (2010MY: $15,365)
Features
- Five-speed manual transmission
- Heated power side mirrors
- Fog lamps
- Roof rails
- Rear-window wiper/washer
- Air conditioning
- LED gauge cluster
- 17-inch aluminum wheels
- Cruise control
- 60/40-split rear bench
- Power windows and locks, keyless entry
- Removable, rechargeable LED flashlight
Compass Latitude: $21,595 (2010MY: $21,850)
- Continuously variable automatic transmission
- Heated front seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Fold-flat front seat
- 115-volt auxiliary outlet
Compass Limited: $24,295 (2010MY: $23,385)
- 172-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder
- Automatic climate control
- In-dash vehicle display
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Leather upholstery
- Six-way power driver’s seat
- Six-disc CD charger
- 18-inch aluminum wheels
Destination: $700 ($630)
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Optional Equipment
- Continuously variable automatic transmission (base only): $1,100 (same)
- Four-wheel drive: $1,700 ($1,500)
- Security Group Package: Side thorax airbags, USB port, remote start, Bluetooth connectivity, security alarm, auto-dimming rearview mirror: $1,195 ($985)
- Sun and Sound Package: nine-speaker stereo, powered sunroof: $1,295 (same)
- Media Center Package: 30-gigabyte hard drive, touch-screen display: $640 (base, Latitude), $290 (Limited)
- Navigation System: $685 ($1,200)
- Trail Rated Package: 140-Amp alternator, four-wheel drive off-road mode, brake lock differential, engine oil cooler, fuel tank skid plate shield, full-size spare tire, hill descent control, hill start assist, tow hooks, trailer tow wiring harness: $500 (needs four-wheel drive option)
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