Aluminum Wrangler? - Will the next wrangler keep the frame and go aluminium.

Maintain the strength and at the same time reduce weight ? That would be a great improvement on the new wrangler but for now this has only been a rumor as you can read on this article.

There is new information that suggests that the next generation 2017 Jeep Wrangler will keep the steel frame and switch to aluminium body construction (similar to the new 2015 Ford F-150). That would be just wonderful, wouldn’t it? Keep the strength and versatility of the frame, but reduce the weight due to the use of aluminium.

This goes against earlier rumors that the next Wrangler is switching to uni body construction.

The next big question is, will the 2017 Jeep Wrangler keep solid axles front and rear? The Wrangler remains one of very few new vehicles with the axle up front. Why have the solid steering axle? It improves the range of suspension articulation to allow for maximum traction on extreme terrain.

We ran a next generation Wrangler Poll in March of this year. Over 1,100 of you replied and having solid axles was the #3 most wanted feature. Turbo-diesel engine and full-size spare tire were #1 and #2 respectively. You also wanted to keep the ability to fold down the wind shield.

Don’t be surprised if the next Wrangler has a 9-speed automatic transmission and a smaller turbocharged or normally aspirated engines to maximize ever important fuel economy.

Check out this crazy video of the 6.4L HEMI V8 powered Jeep Wranglers climbing unthinkably steep Rocky Mountain trails.

Source: http://www.tflcar.com/

Fiat plans to manufacture Jeeps in India

As so many worried Fiat is not letting Jeep stay the way it has been. It is using the famous brand to produce luxury SUV´s and exoprt them to all around the world.

That it self is nothing new, but following many other car manufacturers Fiat plans to produce these vehicles in India. This is a wise move in terms of profit, costs and a good way to stay competitive.

Anyway many Jeep Fans will be worried about the quality that will result from this decision.

Fiat plans to manufacture luxury SUVs in the country & export to UK, Australia

MUMBAI: Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted global manufacturers to 'Make in India', Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has put in motion plans to manufacture a premium sports utility vehicle under the Jeep brand as part of a Rs 1,500-2,500 crore investment in the country and export it to key markets including the UK, Australia and South Africa in the next two years.

The development work for the first premium SUV to be made in India has begun under the project code-named M6 or 556 and production of the C-segment vehicle will begin by the end of 2016, four people close to the development told ET, adding that the strategy to use India as an exports hub will help the company reduce its losses in the country. Experts say that Fiat Chrysler's move will further enhance the brand image of India. Make in India: Fiat plans to manufacture luxury SUVs in the country & export to UK, Australia The country is gradually transforming itself from a manufacturing hub for small cars into a base for the entire range of vehicles as companies including Renault-Nissan and Volkswagen have exported mid-sized sedans and compact SUVs to global markets from the country. An email sent to Fiat India did not elicit any response. One of the persons referred to earlier, however, said on condition of anonymity that the C-segment Jeep SUV is expected to be priced at Rs 20-25 lakh in the domestic market and will be produced in "tens of thousands".

"The announcement will be made shortly," another person said about the company's investment plans for India. "The company was waiting for the Fiat-Chrysler merger in the global markets. Now that the listing is out of the way, the funds will be channelled into the country." The investment is likely to go into expansion of capacity and Fiat may set up a new manufacturing line at its Ranjangaon plant after discussing the possibilities with its joint venture partner Tata Motors, a person with knowledge of the matter said, adding that a significant part of the investment will go into developing new products including engines.

Apart from the completely localised C-segment Jeep, Fiat Chrysler is also said to be working on a modular platform 326, which will churn out replacements for Punto and Linea cars in the next two to three years under the Fiat brand. However, the Italian carmaker's volumes in the Indian market remain a matter of major concern, according to these people, who said the company is hoping that export volumes along with new models will help the brand make a comeback in the country.

While Fiat announced a major comeback plan for the Indian market two years ago, its protracted merger with American automaker Chrysler kept it from making major investments in India. But now the company is readying to launch the Jeep brand with the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models next year, followed by the locally produced C-segment Jeep at the end of 2016 or early 2017. Fiat has been selling just 1,000-1,500 units a month on average in India despite the launch of new Linea and Punto and expansion of its dealer network.

Its capacity in Ranjangaon plant is getting utilised by Tata Motors, though, for its Indica, Vista and recently launched Zest models. The move to manufacture a premium SUV signifies that Fiat is recognising the potential of Indian manufacturing, said Gaurav Vangaal, senior analyst for forecasting at consultancy firm IHS Automotive.

"The future is in India whether it is for domestic market or for export manufacturing. Renault-Nissan, Ford, Hyundai and Maruti all have accepted this fact that manufacturing in India gives strong top and bottom numbers. Exporting a luxury brand from India will definitely be a strong image booster for Indian manufacturing in mature markets, where India always remains popular with small hatchbacks," added Vangaal.

Let´s hope that the quality will not change within the Jeep brand. Discussions about design are one thing some might like it, some might not but when it comes to the quality of a vehicle, Jeep has always been outstanding.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

Jeep for Charity - Jeep lovers ride for the good cause

A great example of what you can do when you come together and enjoy a passion. I thought this was a great idea. Take your tops off for fresh air.

Jeep lovers ride to bring fresh air to those who need it

 More than 500 Jeepers took their tops off for the 9th Annual Jeep Jaunt in Broussard.

The 35-mile ride began at Celebrity Theaters in Broussard, and ended at Cypress Bayou Casino. It has become the largest Jeep related event in Acadiana.

Supporters came from all over Acadiana to show their support.

"It's the outdoors; the freedom of being free. We love the fresh air," said Kenneth Manual, first time Jeep Jaunt participant from Mamou, Louisiana.

Whether it was their first time, or ninth, the open road is one of the many things the Jeep lovers enjoy, but are also fighting for.

"It's just the opportunity to be giving and sharing and helping other people," said Sharon Richardson, first time Jeep Jaunt participant from Lafayette.

The idea to gather that many Jeep lovers for a common good came to J.C. Falcon and his family, organizers of the event, after lung disease took his mother's life.

"The year my mom died I had the idea and I said it would be a really good idea to donate the money," said Falcon.

Every penny of the proceeds raised will go to the American Lung Association to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education.

"We wanted to donate the money to the American Lung Association because their mission is to eradicate lung disease. So I thought it would be a good fit," said Falcon.

Sourcec: http://www.katc.com/news/jeep-lovers-ride-to-bring-fresh-air-to-those-who-need-it/