The last Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will perform at New York Auto Show which will come in April. And when that happens, it is expected to package the new Hemi V8 6.4 liter with about 470 horsepower and just as much torque. That will be married, according to rumors, with five-speed automatic comes with paddle shifters - SRT first. Couple that to a new adaptive suspension damping, 14-inch Brembo brakes and 20-inch alloys wearing Pirelli rubber

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Given that over forty per cent of all cars sold in Europe are diesel-powered, any brand that wants to be successful in the market must have diesel options in its range. Following the presentation of its new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel on the Chrysler 300's European clone, the Lancia Thema, the Fiat Group is now introducing the oil-burner to the Jeep Grand Cherokee range for Europe and other diesel markets around the world.

The new V6 diesel engine is built by VM Motori and has been developed together with Fiat Powertrain, which is a subsidiary of the Fiat Group. The 3.0-liter unit features Fiat's MultiJet II system which enables up to eight injections per cycle, with the possibility of managing the two main injections in a single modular profile (IRS – Injection Rate Shaping). It is also fitted with a single Garrett VGT 2056 turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.

In the Grand Cherokee, the 3.0-liter V6 diesel is offered in two guises, the most powerful of which produces 241HP at 4,000 rpm and 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) of peak torque at 1,800-2,800 rpm, with the company claiming a 10 percent gain in power and eight percent more torque than the engine it replaces.

Despite the improved performance, Jeep said fuel economy for the 241HP version returns 8.3 lt/100km (equal to 28.4 mpg US) on the combined European cycle, an improvement of 17 percent over the prior diesel engine. CO2 emissions (are also reduced by 17 percent, now at 218 g/km.

Jeep will also offer a lower-output version of the 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel rated at 190HP at 4,000 rpm and 440 Nm (324 lb-ft) of peak torque available from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm. The low-output version of the turbo diesel engine will be standard on Laredo models and optional on the Limited

The new 3.0-liter turbo diesel variants of the Grand Cherokee will receive their world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and be available in Europe by the end of the first half of 2011.

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We've heard of thieves stealing wheels, tires, GPS and audio systems from cars, but pinching off doors from Jeep Wranglers is something new. However, that's exactly what's happening in Overland Park in Kansas, as thieves are taking doors off Jeep Wrangles and selling them online. Local police told KMBC news that four such thefts took place in the past few weeks alone.

According to the report, because the Jeep Wrangler's doors are hinged on the outside of the vehicle, it's very easy to remove the bolts if the vehicle is unlocked. The Overland Park police suggested that owners should keep their cars locked [maybe a warning sticker similar to the one found on mirrors could help...] adding that there are special bolt kits that make it very difficult to remove the doors.

Source: KMBC

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In the age of high gas prices, hybrids and everyone supposedly going green like the government would make you think, the 2010 class of cars, SUV's and trucks took another hit this year with depreciation and upkeep costs. Just about all the top companies took a good hit in both categories of big and roomy and the supposedly fuel-efficient compact variety which is not as a big hit to people as many would tell you. Here's a listing of the worst performers of 2010 and vehicles you should avoid. These are not in any specific order. (contributed by Design 911)

Cadillac Escalade - Type: Luxury SUV

It's hard to say really what tipped the "experts" off on this vehicle. It did rank poorly amongst safety and value but the one statistic that really stuck out was this vehicle got top honours for the most stolen vehicle out of everything that's out there. "Pimp My Ride" apparently does not apply here.

Chevrolet Aveo - Type: Compact

The Chevrolet Aveo5 1LT overall value is at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to even more expensive models such as the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Civic. Consumer Reports concludes that "the ride is jittery and noise is constant." . What would you expect from driving something as small as a golf cart?

Chevrolet Colorado - Type: Pickup Truck

This vehicle has been rated poorly in just about in every aspect so I'm not going to waste my time telling you about it because what does matter is the fact that GM is soon doing away with this model as well as the Canyon. So, of course the best medicine would be to stay away from these models.

Dodge Nitro - Type: SUV

The SLT model is just another version of the Jeep Liberty but with lower marks. Consumers complained
how noisy this SUV is and how it lacks agility. There tended to be some sort of body lean which added difficulty for people steering. This would be the equivalent of pushing a baby stroller in gravel.

Ford F-250 - Type: Truck

The 2010 Ford F-250 Lariat was ranked the worst on gas mileage getting on average just 10 mpg. This was a diesel engine model as well. Hate to see how an unleaded version would do. At this bad a rate of miles per gallon, one would think you'd have to get a bank loan just to get back and forth to work every three months.

Jeep Wrangler - Type: SUV

The Unlimited Sahara was the main gripe but Jeep Wrangler overall has plummeted 23% in sales since the beginning of the year. Apparently it does well off-road but fell short when driven on-road. Handling is a challenge with vague steering and low cornering limits. It's reliability was another negative for consumers.

Chrysler Sebring - Type: Midsize

Car experts ridicule this unpopular gem for its cheap interior and poor performance. It is considered the worst midsize car for the money due to the high ownership costs. Its rate of depreciation is almost faster than watching paint dry.

Mercury Mountaineer - Type: SUV

Top honours for worst midsize SUV for the money, the Mountaineer (and its twin, Ford Explorer, which ranked right behind it) is truck-based. So therefore it makes it use more fuel than the competition and not something suited for city and suburban driving. If you live in this type area, the handling may cause a vein to pop out of your forehead as well.See another worst car 2010 here.

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SPESIFIKASI Jeep Gladiator | Jeep Masa Depan

Chrysler car manufacturers seem to want to strengthen its segment in the automotive industry with plans to produce the Jeep Gladiator.

The concept is still the same as the Jeep Gladiator concept that had shown in 2005 then convinced Jeep pickup (pickup).

Chrysler will produce it in the third quarter of 2011 as reported by Leftlanenews, Friday (09/17/2010).

Although the concept is still very popular in demand, but Chrysler did have a way for the Jeep Gladiator to appear perfect.

One of them with a make over the face of the Gladiator. These changes will strengthen Chrysler believed in the pickup segment is over 20 has never been filled by the Jeep.

News Gladiator will have a platform Wrangler Unlimited 4 door. Chrysler just modify the body until just residual 2 doors only. The rest just prolong the bathtub to look like a pickup.

There has been no explanation of engine capacity that will be adopted Gladiator. But Chrysler has been bragging if Gladiator would be successful in the market, at least Ford Ranger will hit the market which is becoming a rival toughest.

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This is one of the nicest compact SUVs on the market, but also one that is most forgotten (133 sales in 2009) and Jeep take the approach of some great shows to unveil the restyled version of this SUV along 4.40 m

The Jeep designers have mostly reworked the rear bumper spoiler, giving it a more "adventurer" owing mainly to the fact that the bottom of said bumper is plastic raw (less fragile than the painted version), available at the new Central Fog, somewhat in the spirit of what is available on the Wrangler. All round box is now protected by a black patch that boosts a little line of SUVs.

The Jeep engineers seems he did a great job at the undercarriage and the quality of the road holding of the Patriot is said to be more precise, more dynamic because of its new suspension but also a direction recalibrated . The Jeep Patriot also benefits from a new palette of colors and a new range of alloy wheels in 17 inches. The system "Hill Control" for the descent of the Patriot comes as a further multiplication of the BVM and the possibility to leave the couple to 50/50 front and rear.

Another novelty is to be found in the cockpit that offers us a new dashboard, with plastics more opulent, and rounding a more flattering look for passengers. The driver will find pleasure in a nice three-spoke multifunction steering wheel to replace the current model easily worthy of a Chrysler in the early 90's!

In terms of news, we find a cruise control, new seats that finally seem comfortable

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