 Four Wheeler Magazine Names Wrangler Rubicon Best 4x4 Vehicle of the Decade |
Four Wheeler magazine editors have named the Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon the Best 4x4 Vehicle of the Decade, while calling out the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon as the decade's most significant 4x4 vehicle.
"Jeep vehicles have earned many awards in the almost 70-year history of the iconic brand, but few have been as prestigious as these accolades from the editors at Four Wheeler magazine," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is clearly the most capable production vehicle on the planet, and in four-door Unlimited form, families can enjoy the combination of capability, freedom, space and comfort that only Jeep can provide."
In recognizing the 2007-present Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon as the Best 4x4 of the Decade, Four Wheeler magazine editor Doug McColloch said, "The JK (current version) Wrangler represented a big step up in on-road ride and handling for Jeep's flagship ride, yet it's off-road capability wasn't compromised in the least. If anything, it was only enhanced. Considering how competent in the dirt the previous-gen(eration) TJ was, that was no small feat for Chrysler engineers to pull off. But somehow they managed to do it, creating the decade's best four-wheel drive in the process."
In calling the 2007-present Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon the Most Significant SUV of the Decade, editor Sean Holman said, "(The decision to produce a four-door Wrangler) will probably go down in history as one of the smartest product moves any automotive company has ever made. From a Jeep customer perspective, the four-door was pure genius, opening up the sport of 'Jeeping' to families. No longer would you have to choose your kids or your gear. It also made the Jeep brand accessible to people who have always loved the idea of a Wrangler, but never thought the vehicles were large enough or functional enough to fit their lifestyle and/or needs."
The full reports from the Four Wheeler editors can be viewed at www.fourwheeler.com, or at http://blogs.fourwheeler.com/6618471/editorials/the-decades-10-best-4x4s/index.html and http://blogs.fourwheeler.com/6592333/miscellaneous/we-pick-the-most-influential-4x4s-of-the-2000s/index.html.
The four-door Wrangler Unlimited model accounts for 59 percent of Wrangler sales.
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Chrysler Announces Liberty Renegade and Wrangler Mountain |
In anticipation of the 2010 North American International Auto Show, Chrysler has announced a couple of new variants for their Jeep lineup to go along with the recently announced Wrangler Islander. There's not a whole lot of "new" in either model, rather they both seem to be just rebranded combinations of options along with some unique styling (and stickers!)
The new 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade boasts a new premium, rugged appearance with standard class-leading capability features, while the Jeep Wrangler lineup is expanded with unique limited-edition models – Jeep Wrangler Islander and Jeep Wrangler Mountain – that deliver high-impact visual appeal with outdoor fun-and-freedom themes.
“While clearly appealing to our core customers, these three new Jeep models will attract new customers to the Jeep dealer showroom,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The new Liberty Renegade delivers renowned Jeep capability and an array of standard features in a stunning new rugged, premium design, while both Wrangler models expand the iconic anchor of the Jeep brand with unique, limited-edition versions that consumers have told us they want.”
The new Jeep Liberty Renegade and Jeep Wrangler Islander edition will be available in Jeep showrooms in the first quarter of 2010. The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition will follow in the second quarter.
(pics after the jump)
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Jeep Wrangler Islander is Back! |
Dave from AllPar just gave us a heads-up on an all new variant of the Jeep Wrangler for 2010 - the "Islander"! It's been over 20 years since the last Wrangler Islander and this version will have very limited quantities.
In addition to standard Sport equipment, the Islander added the 32 inch wheel and tire group, with 17 inch aluminum painted black wheels and LT 225/75R17 mud-terrain T/A tires; tubular side steps; a unique decal; dark gray seats with surf blue inserts and blue logos stitched in; a leather-wrapped steering wheel with blue accent stitching; and rubber slush mats.
Check out all of AllPar's coverage on the Islander including an additional picture.
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Jeep Holiday Lights |
Thanks to murph for sending me a heads-up on this great holiday Jeep photo.
The image comes from user gizmodoprime on Flickr.
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2010 Wrangler New Colors |
Thanks to Wyatt, one of my readers, for sending along some pics of the new 2010 Wrangler all dressed up in a couple of new colors. First up, Natural Green Pearl Coat:
More pics are available on JKOwners.com forums.
Next, up is Dark Charcoal:
Again, be sure to check out the rest of Wyatt's photos on the JKOwners.com forum.
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Wrangler Soft-Top Gets a Reprieve in California |
A little over a week ago, I reported that the soft-top Wrangler was in danger of not being sold in California due to their "Cool Cars" regulation.
The Detroit News is reporting that the Wrangler has been given the necessary exemption:
The California Air Resources Board said Friday that when it issues its final "cool car" regulations, which will require vehicles to reduce the amount of heat entering vehicles starting in the 2012 model year, it will exempt soft-sided plastic windows.
"The Cool Cars regulation only applies to rigid windows and will not affect the flexible glazing on vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler," the board said. "If the plastic windows are rigid, they must comply with the same standards as glass windows, beginning with the 2012 model year."
Looks like we missed the boat twice on this one, as AllPar also had the story correct from the beginning. Nice work, guys!
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Chrysler Presenting Wrangler J8 for U.S. Military |
The Age, an Australian publication is reporting that Chrysler recently displayed a tricked out J8 at the "Association for U.S. Army" conference, hoping to generate some support for the vehicle.
Now Chrysler is pushing for a modern version of the Jeep to again serve in the military.
At the recent Association of the US Army's annual conference the brand's Jeep Government and Military Sales division put on display a kitted out J8 Jeep (similar to the image below), complete with camouflage paint job and armaments.
According to defensetech.org, the J8 is a military version of the Jeep Wrangler. The company is pitching the J8 as a light patrol or border patrol vehicle, personnel or cargo carrier, comms vehicle or ambulance.
Check out the full article for a similar picture.
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California's Cool Car Rules May Affect Wrangler Soft-Top Sales |
Here's an interesting side-effect of something that was probably not entirely well thought-out...
In California's push to make anything and everything more energy-efficient (something we can all get behind), the California Air Resources Board recently instituted a new regulation that required advanced window-glazing to keep automotive interiors cooler. While this seems like a good idea, it appears that the best way for auto manufacturers to accomplish this is to use a window tint that includes a metallic substance that interferes with all sorts of radio waves. The Detroit News did a great job covering this story.
At first glance, this seems like a good idea every time I see a young whipper-snapper yapping or texting instead of paying attention to the road. But, looking a bit deeper, there are numerous issues that can't be ignored:
They noted that "ankle bracelets for parolees," along with cell phone calls and laptops, "may be adversely affected by the metallic reflective standard" because the signals "must be able to penetrate the glazing in vehicles."
Garmin's initial testing said the signals from GPS devices were degraded.
So, what does all this have to do with the Jeep Wrangler? As you may have already guessed, the soft-tops windows can't be treated with the new super-efficient coating:
"The very popular Jeep Wrangler fitted with a soft convertible top uses flexible roll-up side windows which are not capable of meeting the side window standard," Ross Good, Chrysler's senior manager of government relations told the board. "Outlawing the soft top would require us to use the hard-top vehicle with the hard windows, which would add significant weight to the vehicle."
This whole story reminds me of one of my favorite movie quotes:
Don't you think that idea is a little half-baked?
First one to identify the movie in the comments wins.
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Wrangler and Grand Cherokee Sales Up in September |
No doubt due in part to the "Cash for Clunkers" program, both the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee saw a sales increase in September, 2009.
The Jeep® Wrangler continued its strong sales trend in September with 6,002 units sold, a 7 percent increase compared with August 2009. Wrangler continues to be tops in market share in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment.
In addition to Jeep Wrangler's strong showing in September, Jeep Grand Cherokee sales (5,601 units) increased 23 percent compared with the same time period in 2008.
For 2010 Jeep models, Chrysler announced some incentives:
Options include 0 percent financing for up to 36 months through GMAC Financial Services plus consumer cash of up to $1,000, or consumer cash of up to $3,000. Attractive financing rates through GMAC Financial Services also are available on all 2010 model year Jeep vehicles.
Current Jeep vehicle owners also are eligible for $1,000 Owner Loyalty Bonus Cash available to use toward the purchase or lease of select 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles.
Full sales figures after the jump...
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Mopar-ized Jeep Wrangler Unlimited at Frankfort Motor Show |
Auto123 is reporting that a Mopar-ized version of the 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will be on display this week at the Frankfort Auto Show in Germany.
The "Moparized" Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features chromed mirror covers and brushed stainless steel door sills--popular accents that hold true to the appearance theme. At the rear of the Mopar-outfitted Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a chromed fuel-filler cap and an upgraded chromed exhaust tip sparkle even in the worst weather and off-road conditions. In addition, tubular side steps double as easy entry points. Further, Mopar's 18-inch chromed aluminum wheels are added to enhance the appearance. Finishing off the iconic Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the historical seven-slot grille is upgraded to a chromed grill.
