Motor Authority - blog Category: Wrangler

Showing its commitment to clean and efficient motoring both on and off the road, Chrysler has unveiled a prototype plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the Jeep Wrangler SUV. Designed with the full capability of the legendary off-road vehicle, the new prototype still promises an electric-only driving range of up to 40 miles and a 400 mile range when using the internal combustion engine.

Chrysler’s plug-in vehicles feature a similar powertrain to General Motors’ E-Flex system, which underpins the upcoming Chevrolet Volt. Called a ‘Range-Extended’ vehicle by Chrysler, the design features a powerful electric motor running... Showing its commitment to clean and efficient motoring both on and off the road, Chrysler has unveiled a prototype plug-in hybrid vehicle based on the Jeep Wrangler SUV. Designed with the full capability of the legendary off-road vehicle, the new prototype still promises an electric-only driving range of up to 40 miles and a 400 mile range when using the internal combustion engine. Chrysler’s plug-in vehicles feature a similar powertrain to General Motors’ E-Flex system, which underpins the upcoming Chevrolet Volt. Called a ‘Range-Extended’ vehicle by Chrysler, the design features a powerful electric motor running on lithium-ion batteries to spin the wheels plus a small petrol engine used as a generator to top up the batteries. Like the Dodge all-electric sports car, the motor in the Jeep plug-in is rated at 268hp (200kW) but its torque has been detuned to 295lb-ft (400Nm) for low-range applications. Drive is sent to all four wheels via a conventional 4WD set-up, but on-board computers can control the amount of torque sent to each wheel independently to aid traction in slippery conditions. Furthermore, engineers are also looking at more advanced applications with four separate in-wheel electric motors. Such a design would allow a vehicle to retain a 4WD configuration, but do away with heavy axles and driveshafts. Interestingly, GM could only get a 40 mile electric-only driving range from its Volt after months of intense aerodynamic testing and reshaping of the original concept. It will be surprising to see if Chrysler can meet its claims of a similar 40 mile electric-only range for a big and blocky vehicle like a Jeep.2008 Dodge EV Lotus-based electric sports car2008 Jeep EV electric SUV concept2008 Chrysler Town and Country EV concept Read More

The production version of the Jeep J8 (pictured) was revealed at Euro Jeep Camp 2008, a customer event in Northern Germany this week. The J8 marks the Jeep brand’s return to commercial and military vehicle production with a thoroughly modern vehicle designed to meet the needs of both non-government organizations and government agencies.

Changes to the regular model include a reinforced frame for increased ruggedness and greater payloads – up to a maximum of 1,250 kg – and the axles, brakes and suspension components have all receive upgrades as well.

Powering the J8 is a 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces... The production version of the Jeep J8 (pictured) was revealed at Euro Jeep Camp 2008, a customer event in Northern Germany this week. The J8 marks the Jeep brand’s return to commercial and military vehicle production with a thoroughly modern vehicle designed to meet the needs of both non-government organizations and government agencies. Changes to the regular model include a reinforced frame for increased ruggedness and greater payloads – up to a maximum of 1,250 kg – and the axles, brakes and suspension components have all receive upgrades as well. Powering the J8 is a 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 158hp (118kW) and 400 Nm (295lb-ft.) of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3,500kg. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted snorkel that enables it to wade in water up to 76cm deep as well as drive in a sandstorm for up to five hours. Available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for extra storage or a four-door MPV, the car's available with several vehicle-body and seating configurations and comes in either LHD or RHD. The J8 will be produced in a Chrysler joint-venture facility in Egypt and should be ready for sale early next year. The Jeep J8 will be produced in the Chrysler joint-venture facility in Cairo, Egypt, and will be available from July 2008. There are no plans to offer the J8 through Chrysler dealers to civilian customers. Jeep J8 Concept Read More

One of the highlights for Jeep’s 2007 SEMA lineup is the new Wrangler Ultimate concept vehicle developed by Mopar, powered by a 6.4L V8 crate motor dubbed the 392 HEMI. Other than the new engine, designers have left the car largely untouched except for a host of chrome accessories supplied by Mopar.

These include a fuel filler cap, taillamp guards, tubular side steps, side mirrors, tow hooks, door handles and hood hinges. To complete the look, developers gave the Jeep a new coat of ‘Liquid Charcoal Pearl’ paint.

The suspension has also been raised 3in to fit the chunky 35in BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires and 18in Alcoa... One of the highlights for Jeep’s 2007 SEMA lineup is the new Wrangler Ultimate concept vehicle developed by Mopar, powered by a 6.4L V8 crate motor dubbed the 392 HEMI. Other than the new engine, designers have left the car largely untouched except for a host of chrome accessories supplied by Mopar. These include a fuel filler cap, taillamp guards, tubular side steps, side mirrors, tow hooks, door handles and hood hinges. To complete the look, developers gave the Jeep a new coat of ‘Liquid Charcoal Pearl’ paint. The suspension has also been raised 3in to fit the chunky 35in BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires and 18in Alcoa Forged wheels. Despite the tough exterior designers have given the cabin a luxurious feel with seating surfaces clad in an orange mesh fabric and Nappa leather. The instrument panel has been refined with a pearl and satin finish and a new MyGIG hard-drive based entertainment system and DVD screens also make the cut. Read More