Friday, November 25, 2011

Around 630 baby JK's are born each day!

Chrysler's CEO Sergio Marchionne plans to retool the Toledo plant's Liberty line to keep up with Wrangler demand.  The current Wrangler production line runs for 20 hours a day, six days a week.  The demand for the Wrangler has boomed so much the existing line is having a difficult time keeping up with the orders.  In fact the UAW has agreed to work an additional four days next month.  These days are normally been set aside for the workers to have time off between Christmas and New Year's Day.

The plant has produced over 135,000 units so far this years (up to October).  That is up 11% from last year.  14,335 Wranglers were sold in July alone.  That was the biggest sales month.  Chrysler sold almost 102,000 Wranglers this year (up to October), a 28% gain over last year.


Source: Ohio.com




Wednesday, November 23, 2011

XPLORE introduces their new Premium Adventure Jeep


XPLORE Introduces New Premium Adventure Jeep Wrangler
ADRIAN, Mich., Nov. 23, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Getting out into the great outdoors is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your family. How you get there and return safely is where we come in. The XPLORE family of Adventure Series vehicles is designed to deliver the outdoors in style. Last week, Venchurs unveiled its new Stage 4 program of premium XPLORE vehicles. XPLORE now offers you the opportunity to design your own all-terrain-capable adventure vehicle, built exactly to your specifications.
This stunning Jeep Wrangler is finished in bright matte white with matte titanium grey XPLORE/Method alloy wheels, ARB bumpers and body hinges. It bristles with the good stuff: retractable AMP Research PowerSteps, BFG KM2 Mud-Terrains, Warn winch, IPF big lights and a long list of Mopar hardware including alloy fuel cap, tail light cages, stainless hood latches, stainless cat-back exhaust system and suspension package. Inside XPLORE logo leather and suede seats from Katzkin and brushed metal XPLORE badges finish things off.  
Stage 4 XPLORE vehicles can be ordered directly from XPLORE, and are built-to-order with special feature options including our trademark matte finish paint, unique colors, trim, accessories and limited build documentation and badges. XPLORE offers “Owner Experience Packages” including national park tours, four-wheeling instruction classes and wilderness educational programs.
“The response to our program and support of the national parks has been very rewarding,” states Tony Baumgartner, National Sales Director for the XPLORE Program. “We are very pleased to be able to offer these new premium build packages and outdoor experiences. These vehicles are a great way to enjoy our greatest treasures.”
Stage 4 XPLORE vehicles are available for immediate purchase online at the XPLORE Adventure Garage. XPLORE Adventure Series STAGE 1, 2 and 3 vehicles are available nationwide through participating Jeep and Toyota dealerships. Each XPLORE vehicle owner receives a free, one-year annual pass to all national parks and other Federal lands, a one-year membership in XPLORE Club and a subscription to XPLORE Lifestyle Journal; a high quality quarterly featuring amazing places to go, fun things to do and interesting people. For every XPLORE vehicle sold, a donation is made to the National Park Foundation. To learn more about the wide variety of activities available to national park visitors and to customize your own national parks adventure, please visit www.nationalparks.org/explore.
For more information on XPLORE, please visit www.xplorevehicles.com.

No images were available in the press release.

MOPAR Competition V-10 engine wins at Baja 1000

Only a few weeks after MOPAR unveiled a competition V-10 engine at SEMA, an off-road version wins the Class 8 division of the Baja 1000.  This 800 horsepower monster powered Kent Kroeker and Alan Roach across the finish line with no significant problems.






Source: The Sacramento Bee

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Friday, November 18, 2011

Jeep recalling 7,153 Wranglers in China

In a follow up to the previous post regarding Chinese officials demanding an investigation from Chrysler. Chrysler will be recalling a little over 7,000 Jeep Wranglers in China.  Model years affected range from 9/1/2007 to 7/9/2010.  According to a statement from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine a faulty skid plate may create an increased risk for fire.

Source:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2011-11/18/c_131255866.htm

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

China warns Chrysler to fix Wrangler quality issues

The General Administration of Quality, Inspection and Quarantine (China's quality control) warned Chrysler LLC that the quality issues associated with Jeep Wranglers catching on fire, have not been resolved.  They requested Chrysler to investigate the claims, notify owners and to resolve the issues.

Source:
Bloomberg Buisnessweek

2012 JKU Sahara road test

Finally!  A real world review of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara.


2012 Wrangler wins best the ALG residual value award

ALG (the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data) has awarded the 2012 Jeep Wrangler with the best residual value for Best Compact Utility Vehicle.  This is awarded to the vehicles that are expected to retain the highest percentage of their original price after three years.  The 2012 Wrangler has also been awarded Kelley Blue Book's "Best Resale Value Award: 'Top 10' & 'Compact Utility Vehicle," Petersen's Off Road "4x4 Of The Year," 2011 SEMA's "Hottest 4x4 SUV," Active Lifestyle Vehicle's "Best Value Off_Road," and the Texas Auto Writers Association's "Mid-Size SUV of Texas."

ALG is based in Santa Barbara California and publishes the Automotive Lease Guide and is one of the leading providers of data and consulting services to the automotive industry.

source:
Chrysler Media Release

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Fire service Jeep

Despite being only days away from the Baja 1000, the off road news has been a little slow this week.  I was doing a search for vintage Jeeps and I stumbled across this beauty owned by Bill Waller of Fredericksburg Texas on Vintage Jeep Inc.  It's a 1947 CJ2A.  Here is the grab from their site:

"The jeep is a 1947 CJ2A equipped for fire service by Howe Fire Apparatus. It was purchased new by the Wheeling Steel Corp. in Stubenville, Ohio in 1949 for the price of $2,900.00. I purchased it in 2005 after it had been modified for a Brush Truck only. Over the past year, I converted it back to what the original truck should look like with some of your parts and a few additions of my own."

 Click on this link for larger pics.





Monday, November 14, 2011

The ultimate expedition vehicles.

Okay, so the is new news.  But I think it's timely news since this particular truck belongs to Jesse James and it's the vehicle he will be taking to the Baja 1000 next weekend as his support truck.  This particular truck, called the UXV-550, started life as a Ford F-550.  It has been converted by Global Expedition Vehicles in Nixa Missouri. 



This is only one example of the quality trucks they build.  Check out their website for more including the:

Safari Extreme


Global Traveler


Survival Basics Model



Friday, November 11, 2011

MOPAR rolls out a new Chrysler Owner's Group website

November 16th MOPAR is rolling out a new website for owner's of Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler and FIAT vehicles.  Owners will simply input their VIN number and they will be able to access a whole host of information including owner's manuals, service records, maintenance schedules, informational videos, and more.  Click here for the link.


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

From Bentley to Beemer

After finding the news on Bentley "considering" the Baja 1000 I just stumbled upon this piece from marathonrally.com on All German Motorsports (AGM) entering their trophy truck X6 into this years 1000 as a test vehicle.  This one looks like it should be able to handle the course just fine.


Jeep Liberty and Wrangler Arctic Press Release

Chrysler released this press release today detailing the Arctic editions of the 2012 Wrangler and Liberty.  Both Jeeps will have unique paint, exterior accents and interior features making them immediately recognizable.









A decision I wouldn't mind having to make

The deadline is quickly approaching for the 4WheelParts.com Jeep give away.  Entries must be submitted by November 30th and will be notified by email on December 16th.  The lucky Jeeper will get the choice between a nicely modified 2011 JKU or a restored vintage Jeep.  Talk a about a tough decision.  Details on the JK and the contest entry form can be found here.


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Bentley & Dakar

What are two words you thought you'd never hear in the same sentence?  Try Bentley and Dakar.  According to NewCarStop.com Bentley might have their eyes set on the Dakar Rally and the Le Mans endurance race.  I'm not sure how serious I can take this, but it's so ridiculous you just have to pass it on.


A 30 mpg JK????





Bruiser Turbo Diesel Conversions has come up with a four cylinder Cummins 4BT diesel engine paired with a Raptor 700R4 transmission resulting in a JK that will get up to 30 mpg and 380 lb ft of torque.  Find the article at 4 Wheel Drive Magazine.  Plus you've gotta admit....it just plain looks sexy.


Dakar goes to Lima.

Looks like the Dakar rally is adding its 27th country to the long list of participants.  This year they've added Lima Peru to the mix.  Another addition that is going to make the race a little more challenging, the pack is getting denser.  The rally has grown 15% since the 2011 race to 465 vehicles.

Monday, November 7, 2011

SCORE announces Baja 1000 starting positions



November 3rd SCORE released the starting positions for the upcoming Baja 1000 which starts November 17th and runs to the 20th.  Looks like Jesse James will be leading the trophy truck pack.





Recall - Is your steering wheel on the wrong (right) side?

AutoGuide reports that a little over 5,300 right hand drive 2008-12 Wranglers are being recalled in the US due to air bag issues.  Chrysler says that dirt and dust is able to enter the steering column and interfere with the clockspring resulting in the air bag light illuminating.  Chrysler will be notifying the owners later this month but they still haven't worked out a fix.

I've known of several left hand drive JK's that have had to have their clock spring replaced.  This just makes me wonder why it only affects the right hand drive Wranglers.

Toyota prepping for Dakar

It's almost that time again!  iol Motoring reports the Toyota SA team just finished testing out a couple of the Hilux double cabs in the dunes of Namibia.  Check out the link for the rest of the news.




JK pickups are picking up

John Cappa from Four Wheeler magazine has done a little comparo of the MOPAR JK-8 and the AEV Brute Double Cab kit that is now available.  He even tries his hand at photochopping a Gladiator cab onto a Brute bed.




Jeep releases MW3 pricing

Jeep has recently announced the pricing for the Call of Duty MW3 JK.  Follow this link for the USA Today report.