Jeep Archives

Chrysler is celebrating Mopar's 75th anniversary with four custom vehicles, the Mopar '12 300, 2013 Dodge Dart "GTS 210 Tribute", 2012 Fiat 500 "Stinger" and the 2012 Mopar Jeep Compass "True North."

"Customization is king," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "These head-turning 'Moparized' vehicles show how we can go to the next level of personalization. With our best-in-class offerings of parts and accessories, we give our customers every opportunity to further enhance the appearance and performance of their vehicles."

Jeep has unveiled a new production-intent concept version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Houston Auto Show.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Production-intent Concept is based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X package. The concept's face is more aggressive with a chrome and "blacked-out" look. The front fascia gets a unique platinum-chrome and "blacked-out" appearance with a chrome mesh grille and black headlamp bezels. The "blacked-out" theme continues out back with a black liftgate light-bar. The concept also rides on black-gloss aluminum 20-inch wheels.

Inside the concept gets standard leather seats, heated front seats and a 9-speaker 506 watt audio system.

Jeep also announced that it has created an online contest for consumers to name the new production-intent Grand Cherokee concept. The person who chooses the winning name will have an opportunity to win a new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

If the concept attracts enough interest, it will be in showrooms this spring.

Chrysler has confirmed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee will be offered with a diesel in the U.S. The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee will get a new diesel engine that will be produced in Detroit, but Chrysler hasn't confirmed the official specs. It's likely that the diesel will be the same diesel engine sold in Europe. In Europe the Grand Cherokee diesel is a 3.0L V6 that puts out 237 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque.

In addition to the announcement about the new diesel-powered Grand Cherokee, Chrysler also announced plans to add a third crew and 1,100 new jobs at its Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit. Chrysler is also adding 150 jobs by reopening its Conner Avenue Assembly Plant for production of the the SRT Viper.

This year Ford created the EcoBoost concept sleigh for Santa Claus that is powered by a small 1.0L three-cylinder engine that is supposed to be greener than Santa's fleet of reindeers. Hennessey Performance (HPE) has also created a high-performance version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 that Hennessey has described as an 800 horsepower Twin Turbo sleigh.

HPE has taken the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and turned it into quite the beast known as the HPE800 Twin Turbo. The standard 6.4L HEMI V8 has been bumped up to 7.0 liters with twin turbochargers. The result is 805 horsepower and 823 lb-ft. of torque. The HPE800 will reache 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds.

The HPE800 also gets an upgraded transmission, 15.1 inch Brembo brakes, a lowered suspension and a unique front fascia with a carbon fiber front splitter.

Jeep has announced the introduction of two new special edition models that will arrive in dealers next month, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Arctic and Jeep Liberty Arctic.

The special edition Jeep Wrangler and Liberty are inspired by the extreme winter conditions of the arctic. The Jeep Wrangler Arctic is based on the Wrangler Sahara and available in Winter Chill, Bright Silver and Bright White. It features a body-color hardtop and fender flares, "Arctic" badges on the front fenders, a "Yeti Footprint" decal over part of the driver's side fender and hood, black hood decal and Mopar black fuel filler door and taillamp guards. It also rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch tires. Inside the Wrangler Arctic gets seats that are covered in black Tectonic fabric with Polar White accents and orange piping and accent stitching. The front seats are heated and the door trim and nets are accented in orange, and all grab handles and dashboard vent rings are finished in Polar White trim.

The Jeep Liberty Arctic is available on Liberty Sport 4x4 models and gets many of the same features as the Wrangler Arctic. Available exterior colors are Winter Chill, Bright Silver, Bright White and Mineral Gray. "Arctic" badges on the front fenders are shared, though the "Arctic" decal on the hood is unique to Liberty. The Liberty Arctic rides on semi-gloss black 16-inch aluminum wheels. The inside gets seats that are covered in black vinyl with a Gortex embossment, and the inserts are Tectonic fabric with Polar White accents. The front seats are also heated and the Liberty Arctic also gets a nine-speaker Infiniti audio system.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango have been awarded the "SUV of Texas" and "Full-size SUV of Texas" awards by the Texas Auto Writers Association.

"We are delighted that the influential journalists representing the Texas Auto Writers Association have once again recognized Jeep vehicles with several awards, and particularly the Jeep Grand Cherokee as the 'SUV of Texas,'" said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Winning this award last year started a string of Grand Cherokee accolades that made it the most-awarded SUV of all-time."

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler was also named the "Mid-size SUV of Texas."

"The 2012 Dodge Durango made quite an impression at this year's TAWA Truck Rodeo," said Mike Herzing, President of TAWA. "With its spacious and refined interior, impressive driving dynamics, and class-leading towing capability, it's only fitting that the Dodge Durango is named the 2012 Full-Size SUV of Texas."

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is slated to be the next Chrysler model to get the new ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The eight-speed transmission has already been confirmed for the V6 versions of the 2012 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is expected to get the new transmission next year and it's also been revealed that a nine-speed transmission is also possible in the future.

Jeep CEO Mike Manley recently told Autocar, "Our approach to lowering CO2 is a deployment of lots of different technologies," he said. "Hybrids, improved aerodynamics, more diesels, eight-speed gearboxes and nine-speed gearboxes for front-wheel-drive cars will all help us improve economy and CO2."

Jeep also confirmed that the eight-speed transmission can be applied to all the engines in the Grand Cherokee lineup, so it's a good possibility that the Grand Cherokee SRT8 will also get the new transmission.

Have you been dying for Jeep to release a pickup truck? Well if you are and also aren't satisfied with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Pickup conversion, you will have to wait another four years for a true Jeep pickup.

According to Jeep CEO Michael Manley, a Jeep pickup is high on Jeep's priority list, but it won't happen until the next-generation Wrangler is released. ""It is too late in Wrangler's product cycle to add a pickup. The 2015 or 2016 time frame makes more sense."

Manley is keeping an eye on the demand for the kit that is offered by Chrysler's Mopar aftermarket division that essentially turns the Wrangler into a pickup. The kit costs $5,499 and includes a steel bed, inner and outer bedsides, sport bar extensions, Freedom panel assemblies, fiberglass hardtop and bulkhead.

Chrysler has officially announced the updates to the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. And as previously reported the biggest changes to the 2012 Wrangler are under the hood.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is ditching the old, slow 3.8L V6 for Chrysler's new 3.6L Pentastar V6 that has 285 horsepower (40 percent improvement) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (10 percent improvement). The 2012 Wrangler also gets a new five-speed automatic, which helps the Wrangler get 21 mpg.

"Jeep Wrangler - the most capable and iconic vehicle in the world - has a new heart but retains the same soul for 2012," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Our new 3.6-liter V-6 engine gives the ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more refined on-road driving experience - complete with more fuel efficiency, power and torque.

"Available in 2-door and 4-door models and boasting an untouchable combination of efficient design, open-air freedom, significant towing capability, improved real-world drivability, and unique 4x4 systems that deliver unmatched off-road prowess, Jeep Wrangler once again resets the benchmark and offers consumers the ultimate vehicle for any driving adventure," Manley added.

Maserati's upcoming SUV is going to be produced at Chrysler's Jefferson North plant in Detroit, according to the Automotive News.

What will Maserati's new SUV look like? Well it's based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee and we will get a preview of the SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, when the concept version debuts.

The biggest concern is how much Maserati and it's parent Fiat can differentiate the Maserati from the Grand Cherokee.

"The important point is that whatever Maserati we launch will be a product that respects the entire heritage, image, characteristics, and customer expectations of this brand," Harald Wester, Maserati's CEO, said in an interview earlier this year. "What ends up in the dealer shops should be 100 percent Maserati."

We do know that the Maserati SUV will be powered by the Grand Cherokee's HEMI V8.

Chrysler has announced the changes to the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the biggest change is that the base Grand Cherokee now starts at $26,995, which is about $3,000 cheaper than the 2011 model.

Other changes to the 2012 Grand Cherokee include a new six-speed automatic transmission for V8 models and electro-hydraulic power steering for V6 models. The V6 Grand Cherokee now gets slightly better gas mileage at 17/23 mpg for the rear-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee compared to 16/23 mpg for the 2011 model. The four-wheel-drive V6 gets 16/23 mpg, while the 2011 model got 16/22 mpg. The fuel economy numbers for the V8 have yet to be released.

How did Chrysler manage to knock $3k off the base price of the Grand Cherokee? Chrysler hasn't released all the details, but it looks like the base Laredo no longer has a standard eight-way power driver's seat and many of the option packages are now more expensive.

The Wrangler also gets updates for the new year, with the most important update being the new 290 horsepower Pentastar V6 that can be mated to a new five-speed automatic. The 2012 Wrangler starts at $22,045.

Jeep's lineup is expected to get some new models in the next three years, which will come thanks to Fiat.

A Jeep subcompact is still reportedly in the works that will be based off a Fiat platform. Back in 2009 it was confirmed that Chrysler was working on a new small Jeep. Jeep CEO Michael Manley confirmed again in April that the small subcompact Jeep will debut in late 2013 or early 2014. The smallest Jeep will be built at the same Toluca, Mexico plant that currently produces the Fiat 500 and Dodge Journey models.

On the other end of the Jeep lineup, Jeep is reportedly set to revive the Grand Wagoneer as a large seven-seater. The Grand Wagoneer will share its platform with the Dodge Durango when it arrives as a 2014 model.

It was already reported that the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is getting Chrysler's new Pentastar V6, which replaces the underpowered 3.8L V6 in the 2011 model. Today its been announced that the 2012 Wrangler is going to be a little more fuel efficient as well thanks to the new V6 and five-speed automatic.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler now gets 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway. Those numbers may still not seem that great, but they are an improvement over the old 15/19 mpg rating. Jeep still hasn't announced the power ratings for the new V6, but in other Chrysler models the Pentastar V6 puts out between 283-305 horsepower. More power and better fuel economy...good news for Wrangler fans.

Chrysler is serious about its new SRT8 versions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Charger and Challenger and Chrysler 300. All four models are being offered for the 2012 model year with a 470 horsepower 6.4L V8. But what if you were hoping for even more power? Well the latest rumors claim that Chrysler is planning even more powerful SRT8 versions of the 300, Charger and Challenger.

Rumors are circulating that Chrysler is going to unveil more powerful versions of the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and Dodge Charger SRT8, which will get more power from an Eaton supercharger. While the standard 2012 SRT8 models put out 470 horsepower, the supercharged versions are reported to pack between 540-570 horsepower.

If the rumors are true, the supercharger will be offered on 2013 models and an eight-speed transmission will also be added to the equation.

Unfortunately these rumors do not include any mention about upgrades to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Chrysler has announced the pricing for its high-performance brand, the SRT8 models. This includes the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 and the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

2012 Dodge Charger SRT8: $46,660

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: $55,295

2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8: $47,995

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8: $44,077

The SRT8 models are powered by Chrysler's 470-hp 6.4L HEMI V8.

Chrysler has announced the details of the Mopar JK-8 Kit, which allows Jeep Wrangler owners the ability to turn their Wrangler Unlimited into a pickup truck.

The Mopar JK-8 Kit starts at $5,499 and includes a steel bed, inner and outer bedsides, sport bar extensions, Freedom panel assemblies, fiberglass hardtop and bulkhead.

"Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited are some of our most accessorized vehicles," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO, Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "New Jeep Wrangler owners typically spend more than $500 on Mopar accessories. For Jeep Wrangler Unlimited owners, our new Mopar JK-8 kit answers the call for even more radical customization. And it's yet another example of how Mopar will continue to support our brands with innovative features."

The base price of the four-door Wrangler Unlimited is $25,545, adding on this kit will mean buyers will be paying over $30k for a Jeep "pickup truck."

Venchurs has unveiled the latest Xplore Adventure Series vehicle, the Xplore Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Xplore Jeep Grand Cherokee is a hand-built Jeep for Jeep enthusiasts that love getting their Jeeps dirty. The Xplore Jeep Grand Cherokee comes in a signature special matte clear titanium grey paint with a charcoal leather interior by Katzkin. It gets a modified suspension package plus additional hardware from Mopar, BF Goodrich and Method Racing.

"Over the last 70 years, Jeep has defined true off-road capability and introduced the world tothe great outdoors - the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an amazing vehicle," states Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. "We feel privileged to offer this special version designed to deliver more power, capability and satisfaction to faithful Jeep enthusiasts."

Last November Chrysler and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed that a Maserati SUV was in the works that would be produced at Chrysler's Jefferson North plant in Detroit. Now Top Gear has received more info on Maserati's first SUV.

According to one of Top Gear's sources the Maserati SUV is going to be based on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, but its styling will be so different that you won't be able to make the connection. It will Maserati's trademark front end with a "wavy waistline."

The big news is what will power the Maserati SUV. It's not getting a Ferrari engine, instead it will be Chrysler's HEMI V8. Kinda makes sense, since the SUV is based on a Chrysler platform. The HEMI engine already fits the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform and a Ferrari engine isn't necessarily cheap to buy.

The Maserati SUV will not be quite as off-road focused as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The suspension will be a sophisticated independent system with adaptive damping front and rear. There won't be any air springs.

The Maserati SUV is expected to arrive in late 2013 as a 2014 model.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is set to get a much needed powertrain upgrade and it looks like Chrysler is also upgrading the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2012 Wrangler is getting a new 5-speed automatic and the Grand Cherokee is set to get a six-speed automatic for the 2012 model year. V6 Grand Cherokee models are also expected to get an electro-hydraulic power steering system that will be more efficient than the current system.

The exciting new addition to the Grand Cherokee lineup is the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is powered by a 465-hp 6.4L HEMI V8. Chrysler claims that the Grand Cherokee SRT8 will reach 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and a that the SUV has a top speed of 155 mph.

Chrysler is finally going to address some of the issues that owners and critics have had with the Jeep Wrangler. This summer Chrysler is set to replace the underpowered 3.8L V6 engine with Chrysler's new 3.6L Pentastar V6. In addition to the much needed new V6, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler will also get a new 5-speed automatic.

Earlier this month the last 3.8L V6 rolled off the line at Chrysler's Trenton North engine plant, which marks of an engine that was produced for 20 years. The engine was previously used in Chrysler's minivans and adapted for use in the Wrangler in 2007.

In the current Wrangler, the 3.8L V6 only puts out 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Compare this to the 3.6L Pentastar V6 that puts out 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. of torque in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave is a special edition Jeep Wrangler that pays tribute to the rugged Mojave Trail. Being that the Mojave Trail is in the desert its only fit that the Wrangler Mojave feature a desert-themed exterior and interior.

The Wrangler Mojave is based on the Wrangler Sport model. The outside features a body-color hardtop and fender flares, "Mojave" and lizard decals on the hood and rear, and the Sahara model's side steps. The Wrangle Mojave also gets the Wrangler Rubicon tire and wheel package with 17-inch wheels with 32-inch tires.

Inside the Wrangler Mojave gets dark saddle leather seats with a lizard logo embossed on the front seats. Driftwood accents surround the vents, front-passenger grab handle, steering-wheel spokes and door-handle inserts.

The new 2011 Jeep Wrangler Mojave is available in Sahara Tan, Bright White and Black and starts at $29,195.

The ultimate Jeep Grand Cherokee is here in the form of the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8. The most powerful Grand Cherokee is powered by Chrysler's 6.4L HEMI V8 that puts out 465 horsepower. 0-60 mph comes in a quick 4.8 seconds and the SUV has a top speed of 155 mph. The HEMI engine is accompanied by an adaptive damping suspension and an all-wheel-drive system that has five modes: Auto, Sport, Tow, Track and Snow options.

To make sure it stands out compared to the Grand Cherokee that soccer mom is driving, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 sits one inch lower and gets a unique front fascia, 20-inch wheels and dual exhaust out back. All of that power is brought to a stop thanks to the Brembo brakes.

Inside there are Napa and suede leather seats embroidered with the SRT logo and a SRT leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Yup its been confirmed that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is going to get a diesel engine in the US and it will happen between now and 2013. The Grand Cherokee is slated to get the same 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine that was recently introduced in Europe.

The 3.0L V6 puts out 237 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. It's not yet known if a six speed manual version will be offered in addition to the five-speed automatic gearbox. An eight-speed automatic is also in the works.

The 3.0L is built by VM Motori in Italy. Towing capacity is expected to be just over 7,700 pounds.

Chrysler is planning to start selling natural-gas powered vehicles by 2017.

Bob Lee, Chrysler's vice president for engine and electrified propulsion systems stated, "The technology is very actively being worked on."

Fiat, which currently owns 30 percent of Chrysler, currently has natural-gas powered vehicles in Europe. Chrysler is looking at the possibility of bringing that technology to the U.S. Fiat and Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne likes natual-gas engines because they cut emissions and are cheaper than other competing technologies.

It's not known which Chrysler models will get the new natural-gas engines, but the Ram trucks are a possibility.

"I'm eager and very interested to see what we can do with CNG in our truck applications," Diaz said.

Jeep CEO, Michael Manley stated this week that there is a possibility that diesel engines could be offered in the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee in the US and Canada within in two or three years.

Diesel engines could help improve Jeep improve its overall fuel economy numbers.

Manley stated, "Diesel in some of our models makes absolute sense, but I still have to make sure there is a sufficient marketplace here to make it make sense from a business perspective."

Jeep and Mopar have teamed up to create two Moparized versions of the Jeep Wrangler at the upcoming Moab Easter Jeep Safari.

The Jeep Wrangler "Renegade" and Jeep Wrangler "Pork Chop" are just two of six new vehicles that will be displayed at the 45th annual event in Moab, Utah April 16-24.

The current Jeep Wrangler is definitely under powered. It's slated to get Chrysler's new Pentastar V6 for the 2012 model year, but could Chrysler be planning something even more powerful?

Michael Manley, Jeep's current president and CEO recently had American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), a Jeep aftermarket firm in Montana, wedge Chrysler's 6.4-liter "392" V8 under the hood of a Wrangler. Yup that's the same 470 horsepower engine that powers the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392. AEV has constructed and tested other concept vehicles for Chrysler in the past, so this may not be a one off exercise. It's rumored that this V8 powered Wrangler was produced for "executive evaluation," which means that it could actually be produced...

According to Jeep's CEO Mike Manley, who recently spoke to Autocar, the brand is working on a B-segment SUV that will be released by 2013.

"There's definitely space in the market for a Jeep-brand B-segment SUV. We're already working on a project that will meet that need, and expect to have the car on the road by 2013," stated Manley.

Manley continued by stating that Chrysler's current relationship with Fiat would be tapped for the development of the new mini Jeep. Fiat's four-cylinder engines will likely be used in addition to Fiat's Grande Punto platform.

The B-segment Jeep would compete with models like the Mini Countryman and Audi A1.

Chrysler is going to be unveiling a new diesel powered Jeep Grand Cherokee in Geneva next month.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is getting a new V6 diesel engine that is built by VM Motori and that was developed together with Fiat. The 3.0L V6 uses Fiat's MultiJet II system and a single turbocharger. It will be available in two versions, with the most powerful version putting out 241 horsepower and 406 lb-ft. of torque. The lesser powered model puts out 190 horsepower and 324 lb-ft. of torque.

It isn't known if this diesel will be offered in the US.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne stated in a round table discussion this morning that Jeep will soon be getting a new "mulitpurpose" vehicle, which will have a pickup truck-like bed.

Marchionne recalled the 2005 Gladiator concept, "I like that vehicle. I liked it the first day I saw it. There's a better than 50 percent chance that you'll get one. Regardless of what Ram says. They're totally peeved off at the fact that we're going to have anything that looks like a pickup truck with a Jeep badge on it. I actually think that there's space for it."

According to Marchionne the only thing is that the Jeep "pickup" will not be referred to as a pickup. There's no word when we will actually see this new Jeep.

The Jeep Wagoneer essentially created the premium SUV segment and was produced way before the SUV became the trend in the 1990's, which was produced from the early 1960's until 1991.

Jeep is now planning on reviving the Grand Wagoneer nameplate for a new seven-seat SUV that will sit at the top of the Jeep lineup. Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced at the Detroit Auto Show that a new Jeep Grand Wagoneer will arrive in January of 2013.

The Grand Wagoneer will share its platform with the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.

At next week's Detroit Auto Show Chrysler is going to show off some of its latest "moparized" vehicles.

Two of the newest "moparized" vehicles are the new Chrysler 200 and Fiat 500.

The Chrysler 200 Super S has been lowered by three inches and features a Black and Tungsten paint scheme, 19-inch wheels, a black mesh grille, etc.

The 2012 Fiat 500 can be outfitted with roof and hood decals, carbon fiber-style hand brake, Katzkin leather interior, chrome exterior detailing and a strut tower brace.

"More than 30 percent of the people who are in the market for a new vehicle are influenced by the breadth and availability of aftermarket accessories," said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "With our company's launch of 16 new vehicles, Mopar is coming to the party with a truck-load of accessories that will fit a variety of lifestyles."

Chrysler has officially unveiled the changes to the 2011 Jeep Compass, which gets new styling that has been borrowed from the larger Grand Cherokee.

"With the new 2011 Jeep Compass, we've applied the premium design cues of our award-winning new Grand Cherokee," said Mike Manley, President and CEO - Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Combined with new interior appointments, and refinements to the suspension and steering systems, Jeep Compass provides consumers the ultimate combination of styling, capability, fuel economy, efficiency, safety and value in the important compact-SUV segment."

The front of the 2011 Compass gets a new hood, front fenders, fascia, new grille and new headlamps that make the new Compass look far more attractive than the 2010 model. The rear end of the Compass is also updated with a new fascia and LED taillights.

Under the hood the 2011 Compass is available with either a 158-hp 2.0L or 172-hp 2.4L. The Compass now gets up to 29 mpg on the highway when it is equipped with the five-speed manual transmission.

For the first time, the Jeep Compass can be equipped with a Trail Rated package, the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package. The package includes four-wheel-drive, a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with low range, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, and a one-inch raised ride height.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is doing well for the new Chrysler. Consumer Reports recently pitted the new Grand Cherokee against the Toyota 4Runner and the Grand Cherokee took home the title.

The Grand Cherokee received a "very good" rating, while the 4Runner only received a "good" rating. The Jeep's ride, quietness and interior won it points over the 4 Runner. The 4Runner received dings for its on road performance.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is powered either by a 290-hp 3.6L V6 or a 360-hp 5.7L V8. Prices start at $32,995.

Chrysler's CEO Sergio Marchionne recently confirmed that the Jeep Wrangler is slated to get Chrysler's new 3.6L Pentastar V6, but it won't happen until the 2012 model year.

The Pentastar V6 debuted first in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and is now making its way through the rest of the Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models. Unfortunately even though the 2011 Jeep Wrangler got a significant upgrade to its interior, buyers will have to make due with the underpowered 202-hp 3.8L V6 for another year. The Pentastar V6 puts out anywhere between 283-hp and 305-hp depending on the vehicle.

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee launched in June and its been a success for Chrysler with sales up 291 percent in October from a year ago. Sergio Marchionne, CEO of both Chrysler and Fiat recently stated that he is looking to expand the use of the Grand Cherokee's platform.

The new Dodge Durango that goes on sale next month uses the same platform as the Jeep, but this platform may also be extended to other Chrysler and even Fiat vehicles. Marchionne has discussed possibly developing a Maserati SUV based on the Grand Cherokee.

Any new models that use this platform will eventually be assembled at the Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit that builds the Grand Cherokee and Durango.

Chrysler has announced a third-quarter operating profit of $239 million due in large part to a 5.2 percent increase in revenue from Q2 to $11 billion in Q3.

The good news from Chrysler is largely due to all of the new products that are being released. Sales in Q3 jumped up by 20 percent.

Sergio Marchionne, Chief Executive Officer of Chrysler Group LLC stated, "A year ago, Chrysler Group laid out clear and concise five year financial goals and after three consecutive quarters of better than forecasted results, we are not only living up to our commitments but we are also exceeding our 2010 financial objectives.

"Chrysler's financial success is dependent upon the vehicles we design, build and sell. In a mere 16 months, the Company is delivering 16 all-new or refreshed products led by the critically acclaimed all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and including the Fiat 500, signaling the return of the Fiat brand to the U.S. and Canada. We are committed to ensuring that every new vehicle this company launches has the same high quality and technological advances as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Our 2010 accomplishments are just the beginning of building Chrysler Group into a vibrant and competitive auto maker," Marchionne added.

For 2011 the Jeep Wrangler is getting a much needed interior update in addition to a body-color removable hardtop on the Sahara model.

The interior of the Wrangler gets a new instrument panel, steering wheel and an updated center stack that is easier to operate. The Wrangler also gets new storage areas and larger rear windows. Power heated mirrors are also available.

Production of the 2011 Wrangler began earlier this week.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is almost here and Jeep has released several new photos of its new SUV.

Jeep already released the official starting price last week for the new Grand Cherokee ($32,995). The 2011 Grand Cherokee gets Chrysler's all-new 290-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 that gets an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy with up to 23 mpg on the highway. A 360-hp 5.7L V8 is optional.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will official enter production tomorrow, May 21st.

Chrysler has announced the pricing for the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The new Jeep Cherokee, which will be in showrooms next month starts at $32,995 for the Laredo 4x4 model.

The Jeep Cherokee will be available in three models: Laredo ($32,995), Limited ($39,995) and Overland ($42,995). The standard engine is a new 290-hp 3.6L V6 that gets an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy with up to 23 mpg. A 360-hp 5.7L V8 is optional.