AutoblogGreen

Jeep unveils 9-speed transmission for Cherokee

Danny King — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, MPG, Chrysler, Jeep, New York Auto Show

More gears equals less fuel use in Chrysler's trademark Jeep Cherokee, as the US automaker will make a nine-speed automatic transmission standard on its 2014 Cherokee.

The transmission, the world's first nine-speed automatic transmission for passenger vehicles with a front-wheel-drive layout, was developed by ZF and will be assembled, along with the rest of the new Cherokee, at Chrysler's plant in Kokomo, IN. Last year, ZF said that nine speeds is the "natural limit" for transmissions, given the law of diminishing returns.

Chrysler says the new Cherokee gets "up to 31 mpg," which is certainly better than the 19 miles per gallon combined that the six-speed, two-wheel-drive 2013 Cherokee gets, per the EPA.

Earlier Wednesday, Chrysler took the wraps off the 2014 Cherokee at the New York Auto Show, complete with a simulation of a "trip" through Moab in the Trailhawk version. The model will have both front- and all-wheel-driver versions ranging from 184 to 271 horsepower and is based on a platform developed by Chrysler's sister company Alfa Romeo. Check out Chrysler's press release below.

Continue reading Jeep unveils 9-speed transmission for Cherokee

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Chrysler going with EcoDiesel brand name?

Autoblog Staff — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, USA

Chrysler appears to have chosen "EcoDiesel" as its branded name for a new line of diesel models set to arrive in the States shortly. The artwork above was registered with the U.S. Patents and Trademark office just last month, with the "3.0L" nomenclature denoting the displacement of its first offering.

As we reported at the beginning of this year, Chrysler's first diesel engine will be a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. The powerplant, jointly developed with Fiat, will reportedly make 241 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Currently mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox under the hood of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in other markets, the new oil-burner would deliver an EPA fuel economy equivalent of about 23 city and 33 miles per gallon highway (the Cherokee's current gasoline-fed 3.6-liter V6, also mated to a five-speed, delivers 17 city and 23 highway).

While the bad news is that the automaker is likely going to delay the launch of its diesel models until the 2014 model year to finish development on a new ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic (a gearbox that promises to deliver improved acceleration and even better fuel economy), the good news is that the automaker will shorten the 2013 model year to allow the 2014 models to arrive as early as January of next year.

Chrysler going with EcoDiesel brand name? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amp annouces $57,400 price, first dealer for Jeep Grand Cherokee EV conversions

Sebastian Blanco — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:43:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Jeep, Detroit Auto Show, Amp Electric Vehicles

Ohio-based Amp Electric Vehicles may not have the newest concept vehicles at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but it did bring in a big politician: Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH, pictured), who touted the work that Amp is doing by converting two SUV models - the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Mercedes-Benz ML - to electric drive. Amp also announced the price for the electric Jeep, $57,400, and the first dealer who will sell the two electric SUVs, Dana Hackney of Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati. Brown said today's announcements we're "good news for Ohio." The two vehicles will be converted at Amp's engineering and production facility in Loveland, OH.

Amp founder and president Steve Burns kept the Ohio-centric messaging going by saying that, "We think cars should be built in the midwest, not in California," a not-so-subtle stab at Tesla Motors, which will also sell an EV for $57,400: the base level Model S. Burns later said that Amp isn't directly competing with Tesla, but that there is a subset of the people who may buy an electric sedan who would be interested in an SUV. The question, of course, is whether they will want an Amped Jeep, for which you can place an order today and with first deliveries scheduled for this fall, or if they will wait for the Tesla Model X, to be unveiled February 9th. We'll have a Quick Spin drive report of the two Amp vehicles up soon.

Continue reading Amp annouces $57,400 price, first dealer for Jeep Grand Cherokee EV conversions

Amp annouces $57,400 price, first dealer for Jeep Grand Cherokee EV conversions originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's official: Amp bringing all-electric Jeep Grand Cherokee to Detroit

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:46:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Jeep, Amp Electric Vehicles

Surprised at the headline? Neither are we. But still, here's the official word from Amp Electric Vehicles: all-electric conversions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee are coming. Amp will start taking orders for both two-wheel and four-wheel drive versions of the battery-powered Grand Cherokee at the Detroit Auto Show in early January.

The roots for the reason that Amp has decicded to convert the Grand Cherokee go back to the DaimlerChrysler days, when the two big auto companies decided to build SUVs - including the M-Class and the Grand Cherokee - on the same platform. Since Amp has already done the work to convert the ML SUV, it "didn't have to change a bolt" to fit the electric powertrain into the Jeep. The only thing that's different, Amp president Steve Burns told AutoblogGreen, is how the powertrain software communicates with the vehicle. Performance, therefore, is also similar, so expect around 100 miles of range on a full charge of the 37.6-kWh li-ion phosphate battery. Burns said the ML is a little slipperier and better on the highway, while the Grand Cherokee is wider and performs better in the city. For more on the technical details of the ML, read this.

When the Amp Jeep Grand Cherokee comes to market early next year, Burns said, it will compete (in a sense) with the Tesla Model S and Model X. Sure, it's hard to compare a Model S to a Jeep, but when you're the only two companies selling all-electric luxury SUVs, you "compete" with whoever's around. The electric Jeep will also compete with the Model S on price. While Burns won't announce specific numbers just yet (firm pricing information, delivery dates and names of the first dealerships will be coming in January), he did say that the electric Grand Cherokee will compete with the lowest-priced Model S. So, figure a price of under $60,000 before a potential $7,500 federal tax credit. Burns said this should be a good sticker price. "The luxury market has proven to be receptive to the higher prices that EVs command," he said. "Jeep is considered a luxury SUV but not as high as a Mercedes. Now, we've got two different price points [to sell]."

Burns and his team are still proud to be converting vehicles, rather than trying to make something brand new. "As we see some of our peers fall by the way side, which is discouraging, most of them tried to build cars from scratch," he said. With the Jeep, "we were able to get to a quality vehicle and a well-liked vehicle and a top-selling vehicle" and offer an electric version wihtout taking billions in government money. Burns said this is something the team is "really happy about."

If you'd like to get your hands on one of these electrics, pay Amp a visit during the Detroit show by heading downstairs to the ride and drive. If you can't make it to the Motor City, Amp's website will be revamped by the time the show starts and it will take online and telephone orders. In early 2012, at least five cities in the U.S. will have Amp vehicles for sale at already-existing dealerships. For a company that has made a business out of using infrastructure and products that are already out there, this simply makes sense.

Continue reading It's official: Amp bringing all-electric Jeep Grand Cherokee to Detroit

It's official: Amp bringing all-electric Jeep Grand Cherokee to Detroit originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesel-powered Jeep Wrangler with start/stop unveiled for Europe. Where's the love?

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:12:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Jeep, Paris Motor Show

Euro-spec 2011 Jeep Wrangler - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here in the United States, we're constantly pining for the foreign versions of some of our favorite vehicles. Get ready to add another one to the never-ending list - the 2011 Jeep Wrangler. Jeep is set to unveil a few new powertrains and provide a European debut for the all-new Grand Cherokee at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. One particularly interesting tidbit? The European Wrangler is available with a brand-new turbocharged diesel engine.

Automotive markets outside of North America will get to enjoy the 2.8-liter unit which produces 200 horsepower and over 300 pound-feet of torque (the twist output depends on which transmission is fitted). The six-speed manual sees about 302 lb-ft (delivered from 2,000 to 3,000 rpm) while the five-speed automatic-equipped Wrangler produces nearly 340 lb-ft of torque (1,600 to 2,600 rpm).

In addition to the power boost over the outgoing diesel engine, this Wrangler also benefits from start/stop technology. This helps the Jeep see a 13 percent increase in fuel economy over the previous generation while at the same time reducing emissions by 14 percent.

The 2.8-liter diesel Wrangler will be on sale at the beginning of 2011 for markets outside of North America. It's sort of ironic that an all-American symbol of off-road prowess will now be added to the list of unavailable forbidden fruit. Follow the jump for the full details in Chrysler's press release.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Diesel-powered Jeep Wrangler with start/stop unveiled for Europe. Where's the love?

Diesel-powered Jeep Wrangler with start/stop unveiled for Europe. Where's the love? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, MPG, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler has a whole cabinet full of pots on the fire, unleashing as it is a slew of heavily revised or completely new cars and trucks over the next couple of years. If you're thinking that this seems like a good time to leap-frog its way back to the head of the pack in terms of vehicle specification, we're right there with you.

And according to reports, so is Chrysler's new management from Italy. We've heard rumblings that the Fiat-controlled automaker will introduce an eight-speed automatic transmission for rear-wheel drive vehicles in 2012, and now rumors indicate that the Pentastar's next trick will be a nine-speed slushbox for its front-wheel drivers, which should have a suitably positive effect on fuel efficiency.

According to AutoWeek, both the eight- and nine-speed gearboxes will be adaptable for use in all-wheel-drive applications and will come ready to accept hybrid bits and pieces. As of now, there isn't any timetable on when we should expect to see the new nine-speeder.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: Chrysler to introduce 9-speed automatic for FWD models originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Chrysler adopts recycled foam for 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee seats

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Manufacturing/Plants, Jeep

Making Chrysler's foam seats - Click above to watch video after the jump

Every automaker is looking for ways to reduce petroleum-derived material use in its new vehicles. Ford has been one of the leaders in this area, using both recycled fabrics and soy-derived foam. For the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler and its suppliers begin incorporating recycled foam into the seat cushions. The foam supplier has developed a new glycolysis process to decompose waste foam and trimmings into the base polyols that is used to produce polyurethane foam.

The decomposed polyol is then blended by Magna back in with virgin materials to produce seats with at least five percent recycled content. The Grand Cherokee is the first auto industry application of this recycled foam and the process should keep about 180,000 pounds of foam annually out of landfills. Check out the video after the jump.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Video: Chrysler adopts recycled foam for 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee seats

Video: Chrysler adopts recycled foam for 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee seats originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WSJ: Chrysler to back away from Hemi in favor of more refined, green image

Autoblog Staff — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Green Culture, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler has introduced musclebound V8 engines carrying the Hemi moniker twice over the last fifty years, and the company is reportedly preparing to once again back away from the Hemi. As we discovered during our First Drive of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the burly, modern engine with a throwback name won't be going away so much as it will be re-framed when the marketing-speak starts to flow. Dodge vehicles and Ram trucks will unabashedly carry the Hemi, and it will continue to be available in some Jeeps and the Chrysler 300, though it will be downplayed as merely a "5.7-liter V8" in those brands.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Hemi's Multi-Displacement System will also be given more prominence to point up the engine's fuel-saving abilities. With the Pentastar V6 finally putting a fully competitive V6 in the Chrysler engine stable, and a desire by management to cultivate a more refined and efficient image, it seems that the iconic powerplant will move to the back seat for now.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

WSJ: Chrysler to back away from Hemi in favor of more refined, green image originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Will the Jeep Grand Cherokee ever get another diesel? Not anytime soon

Eric Loveday — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Jeep

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Click above for high-res image gallery

Back in 2007, Jeep began offering a diesel engine option for U.S.-bound Grand Cherokees. At it's peak, U.S. buyers only selected the diesel option eight percent of the time when purchasing a new Grand Cherokee. The 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine available in the vehicle was a Mercedes-Benz built unit that did not utilize the expensive urea aftertreatment system that is now required on most diesel models sold in the U.S., and it was still an expensive option.

Some estimates suggest that adding a clean diesel setup could require a price premium of $4,000, an amount that Jeep feels is too high for U.S. buyers. As Phil Jansen, the Grand Cherokee's chief engineer, plainly remarked, "It is expensive." Jansen also stated that Jeep would continue to consider a diesel option for the U.S.

"It's an open question because the business case has to make sense," said Jansen. Still, if the diesel market blooms to 15-20 percent of luxury SUV sales "then we will obviously consider it." Even though export versions of the Grand Cherokee are already equipped with diesel engines, the U.S. may have to wait a long while before we ever get another shot at buying an oil-burning Grand Cherokee.

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Will the Jeep Grand Cherokee ever get another diesel? Not anytime soon originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler kicks off production of Pentastar V6 engine, touts fuel efficiency improvements

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: Manufacturing/Plants, MPG, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Chrysler Pentastar V6 engine begins production - Click above for high-res image gallery

The ~~artist~~ engine formerly known as ~~Prince~~ Phoenix has officially hit the assembly lines at the Chrysler Group's plant in Trenton, MI. The first version of the mill, which now bears the Pentastar moniker, displaces 3.6 liters and will see its first production application in the engine bay of the brand new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Expect this all-aluminum, 60-degree, dual-overhead cam (with variable valve timing) powerplant to see lots of use in the near-term future - Chrysler boasts that the Pentastar V6 will replace seven current V6 engines. In the new Grand Cherokee, the Pentastar will put out 280 horsepower (a 22 percent increase) at 6,400 rpm and 260 pound-feet of torque (an 11 percent improvement) at 4,800 rpm.

Just as importantly, Chrysler tells us that the new engine will be 11 percent more fuel efficient than the unit it replaces and that it will run on either regular 87-octane gasoline or E85. This family of engines represent a $730 million investment, and the 822,000-square-foot Trenton facility will be able to produce more than 400,000 engines per year. See the complete press release after the break.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler kicks off production of Pentastar V6 engine, touts fuel efficiency improvements

Chrysler kicks off production of Pentastar V6 engine, touts fuel efficiency improvements originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: No diesel Jeep Wranger for North America

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Chrysler, Jeep, USA

2010 Jeep Wrangler Mountain - Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's one single item we think the Jeep Wrangler sorely needs, it's a new powertrain. The current 3.8-liter V6 engine and four-speed automatic transmission are extremely long in the tooth and feel downright anemic when traveling down paved roads. It could be argued that a small-displacement diesel engine would be the ideal way to add some much-needed grunt and improved fuel efficiency to the iconic off-roader, but apparently that's not going to happen - at least not here in the United States.

Says Michael Manley, president and chief executive officer of the Jeep brand, "We have no plans at the moment for diesel Jeeps in North America, although one of the things I've learned in this business is to never say never... I wouldn't rule it out."

Fortunately, that doesn't mean the 70-year-old Civilian Jeep won't get any updates at all. According to the Toledo Blade - the Jeep brand's hometown newspaper - Chrysler is likely to install its new Pentastar V6 engine, which we'd hope would also include a new six-speed automatic transmission, in the Wrangler starting next summer. Also, we're told that more special edition models will join the recently unveiled Islander and Mountain models. Thanks for the tip, Tom!

[Source: Toledo Blade]

Report: No diesel Jeep Wranger for North America originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Diesel back in the picture at Chrysler, start-stop in Q4 2010

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Chrysler, Jeep

Based on the presentation by Paolo Ferrero at the Chrysler business plan meeting in Auburn Hills today, it sure sounds like diesel is back in the picture at Chrysler. Prior to the Daimler-Chrysler divorce, there were lots of plans for diesel installations in U.S.-market Chryslers. That all fell by the wayside during the Cerberus era. Ferraro, the new SVP of powertrain engineering at Chrysler, repeatedly mentioned diesel as one of the paths to reduced fuel consumption, although he didn't give any specific dates on when they might be introduced in the U.S.

Ferraro did say that Chrysler would "Reinforce the Clean Diesel Image" and adapt Fiat engines to Chrysler vehicles. He also said they would apply aftertreatment technologies to meet 2015 European and U.S. emissions standards.

Ferraro went on to say that Chrysler would add automatic start-stop beginning in the 2011 model year and showed a diagram of a 2010 Jeep Wrangler diesel in Q4 2010. A Wrangler diesel is offered overseas but will switch to Fiat engines next year. Hopefully, Fiat will start bringing these diesels to the U.S., too.

[Source: Chrysler]

Diesel back in the picture at Chrysler, start-stop in Q4 2010 originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler owners' manuals go digital for 2010, saves 20,000 trees

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Green Daily

2010 Jeep Liberty Owners' Manual - Click above to enlarge

It was bound to happen sooner or later. For the 2010 model year, Chrysler will no longer be providing traditional owners' manuals on any of its vehicles. Instead, all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep cars and trucks will come with "a consolidated, customer-friendly user guide and DVD." That consumer guide will be comprised of 60-80 pages in full color and will cover the most commonly-needed information.

While some will surely miss their thick paperback owners' manuals, Chrysler cites a number of benefits to the switch. For instance, dropping the four-pound books will save 930 tons of paper annually, which equates to about 20,000 trees. We'd also bet it's more informative to watch a video on DVD giving the proper procedure to fold down a Jeep Wrangler's notoriously stubborn soft top than reading about it in print.

Oh, and we'd also guess the Pentastar is saving a good bit of cash by making this switch. Full press release after the break if you're interested in all the sordid details.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading Chrysler owners' manuals go digital for 2010, saves 20,000 trees

Chrysler owners' manuals go digital for 2010, saves 20,000 trees originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Future Jeep? Fiat launches Panda 4X4 Adventure

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:24:00 EST

Filed under: MPG, Jeep, Fiat, Europe/EU

Could this or something like it be the next Trail Rated Jeep here in the United States? Possibly, if current speculation that Fiat will bring its long-running Panda line to the U.S. in 2011 to fill the hole left by the expected cancellation of the mostly unloved Jeep Compass and Patriot twins.

Fiat's latest edition of the Panda is called the 4X4 Adventure and it's already painted up in a Jeep-appropriate green hue that's supposed to 'emphasize the car's bond with nature and Fiat's eternal special attention to the environment and sustainable transport.' Powered by a choice of four cylinder engines ranging from a 1.2-liter unit with just 60 horsepower to a 1.3-liter Multijet mill with a slightly more respectable 70 horsepower, this Panda is likely to be a fuel sipper.

Drivers in Italy get first crack at the new Panda 4X4 Adventure and Fiat promises to roll the new model out in the rest of Europe in short order. Pricing starts at 14,100 Euros (a shade under $20K in U.S. dollars), though that's not directly comparable to what it may cost if it ever makes it Stateside since it also includes value added taxes.

[Source: DueMotori.com]

Future Jeep? Fiat launches Panda 4X4 Adventure originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany

Xavier Navarro — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:33:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Renault, Europe/EU, Germany

Modern compact SUVs don't need to drink fuel at quite the rate of their larger, more easily spotted cousins (HUMMER, Range Rover, we're looking at you). Over in Europe, drivers have opened their arms to compact SUVs as an alternative to sedans and mini vans. Current offerings share car platforms and can be found with the decent-mileage diesel engines. How frugal are these mid-size SUVs, really? Follow us after the jump and you will see the 20 most economical compact SUVs available in Germany (check out last year's CO₂-based list here).

Gallery: Toyota Urban Cruiser

[Source: Auto News]

Continue reading 20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany

20 fuel sipping diesel SUV/CUV/crossovers available in Germany originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 07 May 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2007 Wrangler Unlimited CRD

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:49:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, Jeep

click above for a high res gallery of this Jeep Wrangler Unlimited CRD

To date, Jeep has offered two diesel-powered models to American consumers, a Liberty CRD that was discontinued when new emissions regulations took effect and the currently-available Grand Cherokee. Over in Europe, on the other hand, most Jeeps are available with a diesel engine option and at least one Wrangler fan has taken advantage of that fact. German Wranglers come with a VM Motori 2.8-liter four cylinder like the one formerly offered in the Liberty, so the seller of this unit on eBay ordered a full factory set of powertrain parts and had it installed in a 2007 Wrangler Unlimited. The Jeep is also equipped with the European gauge cluster that is required for the full wiring harness to work. Even though this is a conversion, it uses all factory parts and didn't require any kludging to install. As such, everything at least looks professional and original. Interested buyers in California or the north-east probably need not apply since this certainly won't pass emissions tests in those states.

Gallery: eBay Find: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited CRD

[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day: 2007 Wrangler Unlimited CRD originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2009: Chrysler's new flex-fuel V6 debuts in 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Flex-Fuel, MPG, Chrysler, Jeep

When Chrysler revealed the new Jeep Grand Cherokee this week in New York, it marked the first public appearance of the company's new V6 engine family. What had previously been referred to as the Phoenix is now officially dubbed the Pentastar V6. Over the next couple of years, variants of this engine will supplant all current 6 cylinder engines in Chrysler's lineup. Like its predecessors, the Pentastar has a 60 degree block angle but manufacturing process has been changed to high pressure diecasting. The initial 3.6-liter version has dual overhead camshafts with variable cam phasing.

The engines are designed to be lighter and more efficient than the units they replace. The first 3.6-liter is claimed to use eight percent less fuel than before, even with the port fuel injection it will have at launch. In the past, Chrysler has said these engines will also have direct injection which will probably appear on later variants. All of the Pentastar V6s will have flex fuel capability from launch.

[Source: Chrysler]

Continue reading New York 2009: Chrysler's new flex-fuel V6 debuts in 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

New York 2009: Chrysler's new flex-fuel V6 debuts in 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Sat, 11 Apr 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ENVI boss Lou Rhodes talks about Chrysler's EV programs

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:22:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep

Lou Rhodes and the Dodge Circuit prototype

When Chrysler announced the creation of its ENVI division to spearhead the development of electric vehicles back in September 2007, it was seen by most as a knee-jerk response to the introduction of the Chevrolet Volt. When Chrysler debuted a trio of concepts a few months later at last year's Detroit Auto Show they were seen as the usual vapor that would never see production. Same story when another trio of converted production cars were shown last September. Compared to the Chevy Volt, these were seen as a half-baked attempt to grab some of the EV spot-light without building an optimized dedicated vehicle.

Last fall, Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli announced that at least one of those vehicles would go into production by 2010. Last week Green Fuels Forescast sat down with ENVI President Lou Rhodes and Executive Engineer Doug Quigley to talk about the electric drive systems being developed in Auburn Hills. Rhodes and Quigley revealed some very interesting information about air vs. liquid cooled batteries, range-extender sizes and more. It turns out the development of these electric vehicles actually started back in late 2005, before the Volt was even conceived. Rhodes also promised that additional announcements about which vehicle would be built and who would supply batteries will be coming in the next few weeks.

[Source: Green Fuels Forecast]

ENVI boss Lou Rhodes talks about Chrysler's EV programs originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Could Jeep introduce new model based on Fiat Panda Cross?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Chrysler, Jeep, Fiat, USA

When Chrysler and Fiat announced that they were planning to join forces to better attack the worldwide auto market, the first question on all of our minds was which vehicles from Fiat the American side would import to the States? Much of the attention was focused on the little Fiat 500, and deservedly so. Small cars like the smart fortwo and MINI Cooper have proven that Americans will buy little machines as long as they are stylish, loaded with features and fun to drive.

Another vehicle that many enthusiasts are keenly interested in is the Fiat Panda, especially in its jacked-up off-road Cross trim. The overactive internet rumormill is now working on the idea that there's a possibility that the Panda Cross may make it Stateside wearing a Jeep badge. As long as we're dreaming, how 'bout throwing in the little 1.3L turbocharged diesel engine that powers it in Europe?

Chrysler's viability plan did include the introduction of a new Jeep in 2011, and the timing would be perfect to help the SUV maker meet looming fuel economy requirements. Before any of that can happen, though, the automaker has until the end of the month to prove it can survive as a viable company that's capable of repaying taxpayer-funded loans.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Could Jeep introduce new model based on Fiat Panda Cross? originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Washington 2009: Riding in the Chrysler EVs [w/VIDEO]

Sebastian Blanco — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:06:00 EST

Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, AutoblogGreen Exclusive, Green Daily, Washington DC Auto Show

Click above and scroll down to watch the video

People are rightly skeptical about whether or not the Chrysler electric vehicles will ever make it to market. For now, all we can say for sure is that some of Chrysler's EV prototypes can go for a spin around the Washington DC Convention Center. We were able to go for a ride in the Dodge EV and the Jeep ER-EV with Crysler's Douglas Quigley, executive of product engineering for ENVI (the Chrysler electric vehicle "start up") when we were in town last week, and you can see our video of the rides (no drives yet, sadly) after the jump.

Quigley said that it is not Chrysler's intention to sell 100,000 of the Dodge EVs a year. You can roll your own joke about that, but his explanation was that the battery pack that is good for 150 miles will be expensive and therefore the target audience is someone who wants to cruise through the city or on the track for a few hours on the weekend. He's got a lot more to say about these two vehicles in the video, including how they're being used for testing in Arizona, what might make it into a possible production version and how fun it is to drive the Lotus Europa-based Dodge EV.

Continue reading Washington 2009: Riding in the Chrysler EVs [w/VIDEO]

Washington 2009: Riding in the Chrysler EVs [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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