Jeep looking to revive Wagoneer nameplate in 2012

Jeep is looking to restore the Wagoneer nameplate for 2012. Jeep introduced the original model way back in 1963, where it persistently sold in various shapes until 1991.

For those who fail to remember or know what the Wagoneer is, it was Jeep’s flagship SUV for the wealthy.

At Detroit, CEO Sergio Machionne said: “It’s time we gave the market an upper-scale Grand Wagoneer”

Sources suggest the Wagoneer will underpin the new Grand Cherokee/Dodge Durango platform, but will be substantially more expensive and is likely to reach production by 2012. It’ll also replace the ill-fated Commander.

Marchionne Says Jeep Grand Cherokee Platform Could be Used on New Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati SUVs

Launched in June, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee has enjoyed a massive success, as sales last month were up 291% compared to October 2009. So it comes to no surprise that Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler, is considering the use of the Grand Cherokee's architecture on a variety of new models including Fiat, Maserati and Alfa Romeo SUVs, and possibly for a future Chrysler variant.
"The [Grand Cherokee] architecture has legs. It's important for us to tap all of the hard work that has gone on inside Chrysler on the new Grand Cherokee," said Marchionne during a conference call on the Chrysler Group's Q3 financial results. "It has a level of solidity and resilience that we have underestimated."
Marchionne added that the Grand Cherokee's platform, which was developed with Chrysler's former partner Mercedes-Benz, is capable of handling more powerful engines.
If a decision were to be made, all versions of these SUVs could enter the market as early as 2012 with production to most likely take place at the Jefferson North plant, which already runs two shifts, but can easily accommodate a third should the need arise.
The Detroit plant is an obvious choice as it has shown critical progress in the quality of assembly. "I'm delighted with the performance of the Jefferson plant here in Michigan" Mr. Marchionne added.
The same plant is also used for the trial production of the 2011 Dodge Durango, which is also based on the new Grand Cherokee and is scheduled to go on sale next month.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Detroit News & Automonews

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Popular Mechanics Compiles List of 1980s and 1990s Dreams Cars Priced under $6,000

Popular Mechanics has put together a list of 1980s and 1990s cars, which it claims, back then could be considered by many as "dream cars", but today can be found on eBay for under US $6,000. We can't say we fully agree with the term "dream cars" for some of PM's choices as they're not exactly the hottest vehicles ever made, but, hey, they represent some weird decades.
Just be sure that you can mend a thing or two under the hood, otherwise you should be wary or better yet, increase your budget. Hit the jump to read about the cars that made it into Popular Mechanic's list and why not, tell us what your choices would be from the era with a budget up to $6,000.
1984-1986 Chevrolet Corvette
When it was launched in 1983, the C4 was the first all-new Corvette since 1963. No wonder customers were eager to get their hands on it.
It had sleek lines, good handling and a modern interior, with an electronic dashboard, signaling that Chevrolet took a big step forward compared to the previous generation. However, the Cross Fire Injected 5.7-liter V8 and 4+3 overdrive manual transmission weren't so good, which explains why these days you can buy one for as low as US $3,000.
Starting with the '85 model year, GM offered the better L98 Tuned-Port Injected V8, capable of 235 hp (175 kW). A well kept one sells these days for a little over 5,000 dollars, which is money well spent if you factor in the sex appeal of a C4.


1982-1990 Porsche 944
Introduced in 1982, the 944 was basically, a wide-body 924. It was way better than the latter, mostly because it had a proper Porsche engine. The Germans took the 928's V8 and cut it in half, thus creating the 2.5-liter four-pot, rated at 150 hp (112 kW).
The zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint took 8.3 seconds, a decent performance by '80s standards. Handling wasn't bad either, as the 944 had a rear-mounted transaxle setup.
The best part is that virtually all models can be had cheap nowadays. A 1986 variant, with up to 100,000 miles, sells for around $5,600 and even a fabulous 247 hp (184 kW) 944 Turbo can be bought for about $7,000. True, it's over the budget, but still a bargain and a true driver's car.


1985-1993 Ford Mustang 5.0
It arrived after the mediocre Pinto-based Mustang II and used the all-new Fox platform, designed by Jack Telnack. One of the most memorable variants, the GT, boasted the now-iconic 5.0-liter H.O. V8, initially with 157 hp (117 kW). The performance increased over the years, first to 175 hp (130 kW) in 1983, then to 210 hp (157 kW) in 1985.
The "arms race" continued in 1986 too, as the introduction of port fuel injection further upped the power, this time to 225 hp (168 kW). The Mustang 5.0 put all of these ponies to good use, as it was capable to accelerate from standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 6.5 seconds. That's a good performance even today.
There are tons of 5.0 Mustangs around, so finding a good one for under $6,000 is a piece of cake. Popular Mechanics saw a solid 1990 GT on eBay, with only 89,000 miles, for just $3,900.
1991-2000 Lexus SC400
Lexus hasn't been around for a long period of time, so, aside the LF-A supercar, not many of its models can be considered true collectibles. Still, Popular Mechanics thinks that the SC400 coupe has the best shot of becoming one. Featuring a forward-looking design, it was a strong competitor in its class, going head to head with the German rivals.
It used the very reliable 4.0-liter V8, good for 250 hp (186 kW), shared with the range-topping LS400. In 1998 it received variable valve timing, which bumped output to 290 hp (or 216 kW). This later version could reach 60 mph in 6 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph.
Being solid, well engineered cars, means that even older ones tend to be in good shape, so, for example, you can have a 1992 model for as low as $4,550.
1997-2001 Honda Prelude
Five generations of Honda Preludes have seen the light of day since 1978, the most interesting being the fifth and last one, launched in 1997. It was a good balance of styling, power and handling, featuring a 2.2-liter 195 hp (145 kW) four-cylinder engine, mated to five-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The highlight of the Prelude was the advanced Active Torque Transfer System of the Type-SH, capable of sending more power to the outside front wheel, thus reducing understeer.
You should go for the Type-SH (as in Super Handling), a good one, with 63,000 miles, costs around $5,150 on eBay.


1990-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Turbo and GSX
The 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse had a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 195 hp (145 kW). Codenamed 4G63T, it was the same four-pot mill that since then has seen action in most Evos and, in GSX trim, sent its oomph to all four wheels.
For the second generation, launched in 1995, the Japanese maker also used the 4G63T, albeit with more power (210 hp or 157 kW). Exterior changes were made, making it a more modern presence, and it had a bigger interior, too.
As they could be easily tuned to 300 hp (224 kW), most surviving Eclipses are pretty beat up. High mileage, first generation cars are fetched for about half of the six thousand dollar budget, but solid cars, like a '97 GSX with 130,000 miles, sell for $5,998.


1989-1998 Nissan 240SX
With the 240SX, Nissan wanted to offer an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car. Launched in 1989, it had a 2.4-liter engine under the bonnet, producing just 140 hp (104 kW). In 1991, this was increased to 155 hp (116 kW) by adopting a four-valve head. It's obvious that it wasn't immensely powerful, but, still, it was great to drive.
The second generation came in 1995 and it was larger and torsionally stiffer, which improved handling even more. Owners quickly adopted Japanese domestic market performance parts, including turbocharged engines, such as the Nissan SR20DET or the RB20DET, the latter sourced from the legendary Skyline.
Like the Eclipse, the 240SX was also widely used for track racing or drifting, so finding a well-kept example can be tricky. Popular Mechanics found a decent 1989 240SX (with automatic transmission and 62,491 miles on the odometer) up for sale for an even $5,000.


1997-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ
Featuring a unibody construction, with solid axles, four-wheel-drive and two- or four-door body styles, the Jeep Cherokee was quite a capable off-roader. Furthermore, equipped with the optional tow package, it could even handle 5,000-pound trailers.
The 4.0-liter inline-six engine delivered 190 hp (142 kW), enough to help it reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in 8 seconds. A top-notch two-door XJ, with 106,000 miles and five-speed manual, sold on eBay for $4,200.


1970-1993 Alfa Romeo Spider
The Italian designers drew such beautiful lines for the Spider that Alfa Romeo was able to sell the small roadster virtually unchanged for 27 years. But good looks are deceiving, as even the more powerful variants of the 1980s had only 115 hp (86 kW) under the hood. However, they more than made up for this shortcoming by being fun to drive.
Some say that the Spider was, in many respects, like the Mazda Miata, minus one: the reliability.
In this case, older cars tend to be more expensive, as they're thought to be "more delicate and pure". Still, a 1986 Spider Veloce with 104,000 miles sold on eBay for just $4,251. That's an acceptable price for such an inspiring car, but buyers are advised to thoroughly check them out and only opt for regularly driven and maintained ones.

LA Show Preview: New Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet Editions

The full of activity Chrysler Group will be unveiling a pair of premium editions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty [Cherokee in Europe] at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet models benefit from added standard content as well as bespoke styling features, and are scheduled to arrive in dealerships next month.
Starting with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, the flagship edition is available in a new and unique Rugged Brown paint scheme, as well as Mineral Gray, White Gold and Black. It sports a fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels while riding on 20-inch bright, polished aluminum wheels.
Inside, Jeep's designers adorned the cabin with unique Black Olive burl real wood trim which is found on the dashboard, door panels and the leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The Overland Summit also boasts a Black lower and New Saddle upper interior trim color, along with saddle-color Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats with perforated inserts, accent piping and unique stitching. The Berber floor mats with Black and Chestnut accent binding complete the look.
Standard features on the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit include the Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems.
Pricing for the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit edition starts at $42,495 (plus $780 destination) for 4x2 models, and $45,995 (plus $780 destination) for the 4x4 versions.
Moving on the 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet, buyers can choose from four exterior colors - Bright Silver, Dark Charcoal, Brilliant Black and Blackberry. Exterior upgrades include 20-inch polished aluminum wheels fitted with P245/50R20 all-season tires; chrome lower fascia opening, body side moldings, license plate brow, roof rails and mirror caps; blacked-out headlamps; and unique 'Jet' badging.
Inside, the Jet edition of the Liberty gains an array of standard features such as a 9-speaker premium audio system; a security system with supplemental side-curtain air bags and Park Sense rear park assist; available Dark Slate Gray leather seating with accent stitching; heated front seats, available with six-way power function for the driver and two-way for the passenger; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; and one-touch up/down power windows.
The Liberty Jet is offered as an optional package with an MSRP of $1,495 on the Liberty Sport models and $995 on Liberty Limited versions.

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Jeep Patriot gets New 163HP 2.2 CRD Diesel from Mercedes in Europe

Jeep announced today that the UK-spec Patriot can be ordered with a new, 163 hp 2.2-liter diesel engine, sourced from Mercedes. In addition, the American SUV also gets improved trim levels. Replacing the previous Volkswagen 2.0-liter four-pot, the new powertrain features common-rail technology, which increased power by 23 hp and 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft).
The Jeep Patriot 2.2 CRD sprints to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 10.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 201 km/h (125 mph). The newly found grunt (maximum torque is 320 Nm or 236 lb-ft) is also enough, says the American maker, for towing a 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs) braked trailer.
Fuel efficiency is better too, as the diesel Patriot is rated at 42.8 UK mpg (35.6 US mpg or 6.6 lt/100 km) in the combined cycle.
Four trim levels are available (Sport, Sport+, Overland and Limited) and all variants come with new standard features, such as body colored door handles, Hill Start Assist, leather wrapped handbrake and active head restraints for the driver and front passenger.
The base price for the Patriot 2.2 CRD is £21,995.

By Csaba Daradics

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Fiat and Chrysler Announce Plans to Build New Cars and SUVs for Alfa Romeo and Jeep at Mirafiori Plant

The Fiat Group has revealed plans to create a new joint venture with its North American partner Chrysler LLC at its historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy. Under the new plan, Fiat will bring a U.S. platform to Turin for production of larger segment passenger cars and SUVs for the Jeep and Alfa Romeo brands.
"These will be flagship models for Jeep and Alfa Romeo, the most international brands of the two Groups with significant development potential globally," said Fiat in a statement.
More than half of the vehicles to be produced at Fiat's Mirafiori plant would be for international markets outside the European Union and especially for North America. Although Fiat did not get into any specific details on the future models, the automaker said that they are expected to come to market in the third and fourth quarters of 2012.
"Bringing this new platform to Mirafiori will result in potential production of up to more than 1,000 vehicles per day or some 250,000-280,000 vehicles per year, resulting in full utilization of the current workforce and opening the way for potential new jobs," said Fiat.
The Italian automaker added that the total investment will be more than €1 billion, divided between Fiat and Chrysler in proportion to volumes produced for each brand.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity for Italian industry to produce cars of quality and prestige. Mirafiori has all the elements necessary to achieve a leap of quality and become a world class plant, producing cars for Europe, North America and other markets around the world," Fiat said in a statement released to the press.

SUV Jeep Car: Volvo XC60 SUV car

Volvo's new crossover vehicle boasts an exciting mix of two car styles and steps boldly into what is the motoring world's toughest and fastest-growing segment. Sports XC muscles, it combines a strong athletic body with high ground clearance and large wheels, while the flowing lines create a sporty charisma of a coupe.

“This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo. We’re elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you’d recognise a Volvo from a hundred metres away today, I dare say the Volvo XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the new Volvo XC60. The major news is City Safety – a unique system that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.

“We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly shows that the new Volvo XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision,” says Fredrik Arp.

The XC60 project has its sights set on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.

“One might say that this could be the C30 owner’s next car. It’s as sporty and exciting, but more capable. With the Volvo XC60, we are widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle,” explains Fredrik Arp.

The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 which produces 285PS, and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel, producing 185 and 163 horsepower respectively. All- Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.

“During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 target around 170 g/km,” reveals Fredrik Arp.

The global sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China. The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales of the car will start in Europe during the second half of 2008, while sales in North America will get under way in early 2009. The new XC60 will arrive in UK dealer showrooms in October.

Toyota A-BAT Hybrid Pickup Jeep Concept

The Japanese automaker, Toyota, present A-BAT hybrid pickup concept at the Detroit Motor Show later this month.

Far from a conservative-style vehicles, which currently favors Toyota showrooms, unique look of the concept is the combination of large body surface, intersect with a hard surface planes, crisp lines and the trapezoidal profile. Toyota A-BAT in 19-inch wheels sit at the corners of the car creates a tough and is ready.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 New Car

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 Turing

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 Side

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 Interior

JEEP® Brand broadens vehicle lineup with a new model

Available second quarter 2010, Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition boasts rugged outdoor theme, with 32-inch tyres and unique wheel, grill and bumper appliques.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain

Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand’s reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is available in Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models.

Exterior features include a unique “Mountain” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the “Mountain” theme of the vehicle; grill and bumper appliques; tabular side steps; 32-inch tyres; black tail lamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.

Available exterior colours include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.

Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered “Mountain logo”, and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available in South Africa.

- Available second quarter 2010, Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition boasts rugged outdoor theme, with 32-inch tyres and unique wheel, grill and bumper appliques.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain

Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand’s reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is available in Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models.

Exterior features include a unique “Mountain” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the “Mountain” theme of the vehicle; grill and bumper appliques; tabular side steps; 32-inch tyres; black tail lamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.

Available exterior colours include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.

Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered “Mountain logo”, and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available in South Africa.

Source: Chrysler