Great choice for people who value raw practicality the Jeep wrangler Unlimited Sahara

It remains a great vehicle and people keep loving it for what it is. I saw this brilliant article that might make some of you sceptics understand why the wrangler is such a success.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4×4—yes that is its full name—returns with its same open-air, off-roading might and a better sound system to boot. It continues to be a great choice for people who value raw practicality and motoring fun over a fancy interior and a quiet ride.

Drivers who have seen or driven a recent Wrangler Unlimited will notice the new model year doesn’t bring any significant exterior changes. It’s still in the JK generation, and remains the only four-door 4×4 with a removable top on the market.

Although being the wet season I didn’t get too much chance to drive around sans roof, removal is fairly easy using a simple set of hand-actuated levers. Even the doors can be taken off if you really want to be one with the environment, and all models now include a standard Torx tool kit to help facilitate the procedure.

Being a big fan of Jeep’s long history and its military background, I personally love the way it looks. From the classic round headlamps and vertical slat grille to the fat tires and wide angular fender flares, it’s all business. 

It might be a little too utilitarian for some. For instance, the doors swing freely open from the hinge with nothing catching them but what is essentially a piece of rope. Not the greatest feature in tight city parking spots. As I hinted at earlier, all Wranglers now get a new standard eight-speaker audio system. My press vehicle was equipped with the optional nine-speaker premium Alpine setup that does sound quite good.

It also had the Uconnect multimedia center, Chrysler’s proprietary infotainment system, allowing for the standard suite of Bluetooth connectivity, integrated voice command, USB port, navigation and SiriusXM Radio. Don’t forget about those audio control buttons located behind the steering wheel! The Sahara is fitted with the same 285-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine from last year. At 260 lb-ft, torque isn’t an issue, nor is towing with a max capability of 3,500 pounds. 

 Four-wheel drive is standard, and you can choose between high- and low-range gearing as well as a 2WD mode. Note that the latter can result in a squirrely rear end around corners in the wet. Surprisingly, a 6-speed manual transmission is available along with the 5-speed automatic that I tested. Wranglers aren’t designed to only look tough: engineers have purposely built in things like a special oil sump to deliver oil to the pump at extreme vehicle angles, and an alternator that’s placed high up to avoid getting wet during deep puddle excursions.

That said, it doesn’t mean, of course, that you can’t drive a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4×4 properly in the city. I’ve noted in the past that despite this Jeep’s considerable girth (73.8 inches overall width), it still fits fine on regular roadways and in parking garages. It’s also got plenty of interior space with seating for five, and no passengers should complain about legroom. They may make a comment about the noise, because there’s not much sound deadening of any kind.

You can hear each shift and every engagement of the throttle, which, in my opinion, is how it should be with this class of automobile. Just don’t cry when you pull in to the gas station for the first time, because the fuel economy is not pretty: my combined city/highway number for the week was 12.7 mpg.

source: theepochtimes.com/

Jeep Wrangler wins the SEMA Award for the Hottest 4x4 - SUV

That´s what we like to see.

There is a great amount of awesome customised Jeeps on this years SEMA Autoshow featuring some amazing new products.

What I like the most though is that the Wrangler JK was awarded with the prize for the Hottest 4x4-SUV.

Check out this video.  "Jeeps by Nature evoke Freedom" so true.

Share your favourite Jeeps from this years SEMA Autoshow.

The New 2015 Jeep Renegade - an insult or true Jeep?

Originally this blog is meant to share the enthusiasm for Jeep and off road action. However there is one topic that pops up the news when you hear Jeep these days, which is not received well by us fanatics and off road fans

It´s name is Jeep Renegade.

What´s all the fuss about?
As a Jeep fan the Renegade started by instantly becoming the materialisation of the biggest fear of many Jeep fans since Fiat has taken over.

It´s the fear that Fiat will only use the Jeep name and brand to sell their own vehicles. The first look of the Renegade already shocked most enthusiast as the design is not necessarily typical for Jeep.

Anyway you can always discuss and argue about the design.

As a big Jeep fan I share and understand the worries and fears but I am also a realist.For me the most important are two main factors.

Quality & Capability

As long as these two factors are maintained the Jeep Heritage lives on.


We will only really know in a couple of years if the quality has remained the same in the new 2015 Jeep Renegade. 

Jeep and the Chrysler group like to brag about the new Jeep Renegade and are trying to prove that it is just as tough as the other Jeep models.


After watching the new commercials and videos like the one below there is a pro and con factor about this new model.




Let´s start with the Con.
What you see in the video above is NOT what a Jeep Fan would call going off road. It is more something like going shopping with your wife and kids. The Renegade has a very soft and mellow design and this is reflected onto it´s capabilities in this video. What you see here is also possible with any Crossover or Sedan.

If I was Jeep I would show the Renegade in massive action like no other in itś class.


Anyway there is more to it than meets the eye. The Pro.

Obviously when Jeep (and Fiat) came up with the idea for the new Jeep Renegade they didn´t have the whole blood off-road raging Jeep fanatics in mind who´s main interest is to either drive a wrangler or a Jeep that is already 25+ years old.
Clearly the Renegade is targeted at people who are not yet off road enthusiasts and / or are not too comfortable with the idea of driving through a small lakes, mud wholes or up sand dunes.

I believe that the new Jeep Renegade is a great starter model for people who would like the comfort of a modern crossover or sedan but at the same time know that they have the most off road capable vehicle in their Class.

I am not expecting the Renegade to have the capability like the wrangler but as long as it rules it´s class and the high quality matches the usual Jeep standard, then this is the little sister the wrangler has always wanted.

One last word.

For all the Jeep enthusiast our there I have one question for you.

Imagine a person that is close to you and that wants a cute vehicle with slight 4x4 capabilities.

What would you rather see that person driving?

THIS?

OR THIS?

Jeep Quiz - Which is the right Jeep for you?

If you are a Jeep Fan that (just like me) loves just about any Jeep there is always one questions with which friends and family bother you with.

"Which is your favourite Jeep?"

If they don´t accept the answer "all of them" you will probably have one specific model that your eyes fall on first. If you don´t know which one that is or you want to prove to yourself that it is the right one for you or you just like a bit of fun then check out this cool Quiz "Which is the right Jeep for you?" I found in JP Magazine featured by fourwheeler.com

The staff of Jp magazine is not picky. We run through Jeeps like Kirstie Alley through a Hostess factory…or a congressman through hot nannies…or a…well, choose your simile. Currently we have dozens of Jeeps parked in our collective driveways and garages, ranging from the earliest flatfenders to the latest JKs. We realize, however, that not everyone has the bank account of Hazel’s sugar momma, Trasborg’s complete lack of self control regarding anything with a seven-slot grille, or Stover’s wheeler-dealer savvy. In short, unlike the Jp staff, we realize most of you can’t try to own ’em all. So, in an effort to narrow down the selection process, we are going put all of our expertise to work to help you pick your next Jeep project. That’s right! Just answer the questions below to determine which Jeep is right for you.

On the trail you are the guy who:
A) Is the trail leader. Everyone is looking to me to lead the way.
B) Goes with the flow. If someone breaks we can get out of the vehicle and find something to do to keep us occupied while it is getting repaired.
C) Is by myself. If I wanted to be social, I’d go to the Elk’s Lodge.
D) Ends up carrying everyone else’s tools and spare parts.
E) Asks if this is the hardest part on the first obstacle and keeps reiterating that the guide book states this trail is only rated a “two.”

How important is aftermarket support to you?
A) The Field of Dreams philosophy: “If they build it, I will buy.”
B) I like to look at catalogs and see what is available, but the Jeep isn’t on the top of the priority list.
C) More concerned about NOS than gee-gaws, and I’m not talking about nitrous oxide, you mouth-breathers!
D) I am used to building all of my own parts anyway.
E) I already got the rubber floor mat option. What other products could I need?

When it comes to interior room, your philosophy is:
A) Less space means less sheetmetal to dent.
B) Between the kids and the dog, the more room the better.
C) If I want interior room, I’ll drive my Lincoln.
D) Interior room isn’t as important as the ability to haul stuff like firewood and junkyard parts.
E) I like a lot of interior space, but not if it means the Jeep is so big that it’s hard to park.

How would you describe your mechanical abilities?
A) I carry all of the tools that I need to fix any part on my Jeep.
B) I can do the basics. I always do preventative maintenance on my Jeep so hopefully I don’t have to fix it on the trail.
C) I can fix everything on my Jeep with a Leatherman and a matchbook cover.
D) I don’t like to brag, but I can hold my own. I’ve never been in a situation on the trail that I could not get out of.
E) I think that my Jeep came with a tool kit, but I don’t actually know where it is located.

Your modification budget:
A) Is hidden from my wife.
B) Only comes around during Christmas and tax returns.
C) My Jeep goes everywhere I need it to. It doesn’t need modifications.
D) Do new valve cover gaskets count as a modification?
E) Is limited to a bike rack or antenna ball.

How important is simplicity in a vehicle to you?
A) Simple is good, but if there is something better out there that happens to be more complicated, I still want it.
B) I guess it is important, but it isn’t at the top of my list with comfort and reliability.
C) Simplicity is the most important. I don’t want to have to turn on a computer to fix my Jeep!
D) Simple is good, but overbuilt is even better.
E) I am a huge fan of simplicity; it totally improves your feng shui.

The tires on your Jeep:
A) Are the biggest, most aggressive my axles can handle.
B) Are 285/75R16. They fit on the stock rims and are narrow enough they don’t get in to the control arms when I turn.
C) The only tire in the world should be the 7.00-16 NDT.
D) Are some 35-inch take-offs that I got from a friend who was upgrading.
E) Are whatever it came with when I bought it. How am I supposed to know?

Now it is time to tally up your score and determine which Jeep is right for you. Give yourself five points for every A answer; four points for every B, three points for every C, two points for every D, and one point for every E.

 

If you scored 30 or higher…
The only “real” Jeep to you is one that has a windshield that folds down. You realize that your car payment is only going to be about half of what you spend on your Jeep every month. You plan to spend quality time in the garage with your friends outfitting your Wrangler.

If you scored 22-29…
There are likely kids screaming in the background as you read this. Sippy cups and car seats are an everyday part of your life…and sippy cups have a way of disappearing from open-topped Jeeps. You need the four-door utility of a Cherokee or Grand Cherokee.

If you scored 15-22…
You appreciate Jeep’s rich heritage and strongly agree with Enzo Ferrari’s statement that “Jeep is America’s only real sports car.” You will be happiest behind the 20-inch steering wheel of an early military flatfender.

If you scored 10-15…
You are a practical person who isn’t swayed by the latest fads. In fact, you would rather thumb your nose at trends and are proud of your individuality and common sense. You belong on the bench seat of a J truck.

If you scored under 10…
It is likely you are reading this copy of Jp at your brother’s house, or perhaps the dentist’s office. Your idea of the great outdoors is going to Eddie Bauer and you really want a Subaru Forester, but you don’t want to drive the same car as your friends. You belong in a Patriot or Compass.

Feel free to share the results you got in the comments.

Source: http://www.fourwheeler.com

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/