Help keep public land.....public

Recently a letter was submitted to close approximately 1.4 million acres in Utah's canyonlands. This closure would make area only accessible to hikers and mountain bikers, closing it to ALL motorized vehicles. The BLM's new travel plan has already closed a significant percentage of roads and trails.

Off-road enthusiasts subscribe to the "tread lightly" mantra. We respect the land and treat it no differently than the average hiker or mountain biker. Sure, the occasional "rotten egg" makes his presence known, Unfortunately this is not specific to one recreation over another. This happens in the "human powered" arena too. I've had to pick up trash ranging from punctured inner-tubes and energy bar wrappers to litter filled camp sites. My point is, it happens but the 99% make up for it. We police ourselves because we know it's the <s1% that can ruin it for all of us. Someone mentions the term off-roader and often the image the comes to mind for the average person is Billy Bob in his trucker cap, with a wad of chew filling his lower lip and driving a lifted full sized Chevy pickup hootin' as he tosses beer cans out the window. This is not who the average off-roader is. Sorry if I have offended the Billy Bob's of the world, but that's my intent.....cut that crap out. But the truth is, the average off-roader is your neighbor. It's that professional that has been retired for years but his knee no longer lets him walk for miles and miles to explore, it's the war wounded vet that lost his leg fighting for your freedom, it's the father with is son that can't walk due to his Multiple Sclerosis, it's the family with children that are too young to hike the same distances as their parents but will when they get old enough.

But I digress. Click on the link below to help keep this beautiful area open to all outdoor enthusiasts. Write to the companies that have supported this closure and let them know your thoughts and why this area is important to you. Please help to keep it open to all the overland travellers, rock crawlers, motocross and adventure riders, quads, razors, and others.

Sharing this post isn't enough to get this job done. Share it, then make a few phone calls, send a few emails and write a couple of letters. Tell your family and friends about your outback adventures. Get them involved and active. Help keep our public lands open to more than just the young and able bodied.

Thank you.

 https://www.sharetrails.org/alerts/2012/11/14/another-massive-national-monument-pushed-in-utah

Chinese built Jeeps??

Jeep to build all model lines in China?

By  Chris Paukert 

Posted Oct 22nd 2012 4:29PM

We're quite used to seeing Jeep knockoffs come out of Asia (e.g. SsangYong Korando generations one through three), but if a new report is to be believed, we may start seeing the fair dinkum being built in Asia once again, too....(more)

Source: Autoblog

Jeep Wrangler Moab & Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

It’s been nearly two months since Jeep announced a special edition, and we were getting a bit worried. Luckily, on Tuesday morning, we were greeted by two new models—the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and the Jeep Wrangler Moab....(more)

Source :  AutoWeek by Jake Lingeman on 9/04/2012

Jeep Hints at IFS and Diesel for 2016

According to the guys at The Motor Report, Jeep is hinting at a independent front suspension and diesel power plant for the prospective model change in mid-year 2015. Find the article source link below.

Source: Tony O'Kane | Aug 13, 2012 The Motor Report

Del Albright: SAVING "MAYBERRY" IN RURAL AMERICA

Del Albright: SAVING "MAYBERRY" IN RURAL AMERICA: "MAYBERRY" SHOULD NOT DIE! Saving small town rural America is a three-step process that we can all help with. Our rural USA and economy ...

Olympics....Schmelypics

IT'S WRC FINLAND TIME!!!

http://www.wrc.com/video/

Live stage times

Here is a great post from Jalopnik on "How to watch rally in the United States".

2013 Wrangler Spring Assisted Top

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIC3NfzPsHw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Storm 3 Type R

This Is The Jeep Israeli Special Forces Would Take To The Negev Desert

 Benjamin Preston

"Who Dares Wins," or so goes the motto of Sayeret Matkal, one of the Israel Defense Force's special units. Israeli truck customizer AIL of Nazareth has dared with the Jeep J8-based Storm 3 Type R, and it looks like they may win... a lucrative army contract, that is.

A journo from jeepolog.com took one out for a spin in the searing heat of the Negev Desert this summer, and according to the off-duty, but very salty army guys who drove it with him, Storm 3 Type R is an ass kicker.

A stock Jeep Rubicon is already a pretty capable vehicle, but AIL had to figure out how to make it do something that the Humvees the Israeli army currently uses don't. By stuffing a 194 hp, 2.8-liter four pot turbo diesel between the fenders, they created something light and strong that has all of the offroad prowess of a Hummer without all the noise and with way better handling and maneuverability.

View the gallery

The only problem the old soldiers could see with Storm 3 Type R was it has a lower cargo capacity than the big AM General (although most sourcesI found showed that the HMMWV has a muchlower cargo capacity than what AIL claims the Storm 3 Type R can handle), but they said it would be a good candidate for border patrol, pursuit, and deep strike missions. And that's why the IDF has been testing them all around Israel, a country which, although it's only about the size of New Jersey, has incredibly varied terrain.

Storm 3 Type R's suspension is more or less stock, with an extra leaf stuffed into the shackles over a Trac-Lok Dana 44 front axle and a beefy Trac-Lok Dana 60 rear. Offroad tires are mounted on non-beadlocking steel wheels, but maybe bead locks would be advisable if the truck is deployed on terrorist chasing missions. Tipping the scales at 4,451 pounds, Storm 3 Type R can carry a 2,756-pound payload and tow 7,716 pounds.

Consensus among those who care about such things suggests that the maximum load a 6.2 V8 diesel-equipped Hummer can tow is 4,200 pounds, and that its top interior payload capacity (in certain configurations) is about the same. Plus, the four banger Jeep has a 22.5 gallon fuel tank — the Hummer, which weighs nearly 10,000 pounds empty, can hold only a few more gallons of refined black gold — so it probably has a pretty decent range.

Jeep Custom of Nazareth's creation sure looks good on paper, but we'll let the Israeli government sort that one out. (hat tip to Nimrod!)

Photo credit: jeepolog.com

Source: Jalopnik.com

The Johnson Valley Fight Continues

Off-road enthusiasts said they are neither surprised nor happy about an environmental report that recommends handing a popular off-road area over to the U.S. Marine Corps for expanded training maneuvers....(more)

Source: The Press-Enterprise
.

The Grand Cherokee rollover controversy

Jeep Grand Cherokee Fails Evasive Maneuver Test, Again

 Benjamin Preston

A month ago, Swedish car magazine Teknikens Värld tested the Jeep Grand Cherokee with its famous "moose test," an evasive maneuver simulation. The SUV failed miserably, standing up on two wheels as it negotiated a tight turn....(more)

Source: Allpar.com

Carmello Anthony & DJ Whoo Kid's Wrangler commercial

NBA star Carmello Anthony and DJ Whoo Kid star in the new Jeep Wrangler "The Return" commercials.

2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8

Jeep has pulled the wraps off the 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8 today and announced two new special editions for the high-horsepower SUV. The black Vapor and white Alpine Grand Cherokee SRT8s are the only new real updates for the 2013 model, which now carries a $60,920 base price – add $2495 for the Vapor and Alpine edition models....(more)

Source:MotorTrend

The Rachel Anne Gray Foundation

The Rachel Anne Gray Foundation

The fire started due to an unfortunate rollover on Cadillac Hill.  Three guests were injured, but were responded and rescued by trained paramedics and doctors within minutes.  The fire was result of the roll-over and was also responded to within minutes by Jeepers Jamboree staff.  Trained fire choppers were onsite and dropping water on the area within the hour.

Officer Dan Stark of the CHP said that Rachel Anne Gray, 21, of El Dorado Hills, was traveling on the Rubicon Trail in Placer County, “heading northbound on the trail, near the middle of Cadillac Hill” when she veered off the side of the Road. The vehicle rolled over multiple times, ejecting Gray and her unidentified male passenger, 34, of Pilot Hill. The vehicle caught fire which also set fire to the surrounding area. Gray suffered “major injuries” while the passenger suffered “minor injuries,” Stark said.

Rebecca Murphy of the Georgetown Gazette reported that “Gasoline spewed from the vehicle as it rolled 150-200 feet down the cliff.” Murphy reported that in notes brought out of the Rubicon by someone who walked out, that a woman identified by Stark as Gray had fallen into the gasoline when the vehicle caught fire, causing “the flames (to shoot up) the hill. The flames burned off her clothes and from 70 to 90 percent” of her body.

The two-acre blaze closed a county road, said Ann Westling, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service. A helicopter crew was working to contain the fire, she said.

The Jeepers Jamboree guests and staff were in a safe environment in the Rubicon Springs.  The Rubicon Trail, a County Road, was closed at the commonly known spot of Cadillac Hill. So named for the old Cadillac found up toward the top of the Hill. All that remains after years of scavenging are the chassis and some drivetrain components. Cadillac is a long tough hill with some sections of loose rock and a few hairpin turns. Most of it is one vehicle wide. Cadillac Hill is a steep section of trail leveling off and providing a wonderful vista of the Rubicon Trail.

The 60th Jeepers Jamboree has been extended due to a fire on the exit path of the Rubicon Trail. The Jeepers usually end their trek Sunday night, said officials. Guests have been asked to stay in Rubicon Springs as they manage the fire Sunday instead of attempting to exit back through Loon Lake.

The Forest Service has been diligently containing the fire, and Jeepers Jamboree guests have been asked to stay in Rubicon Springs and enjoy another day of relaxation.  “We have had a wonderful 60th celebration this weekend,” said Dan DeWolf.  “This has thrown a bit of a wrench in the exit plan for some, but we are happy to have them stay with us another day, feed everyone and enjoy another night of celebration.”

The five-day excursion usually brings Jeep enthusiasts from throughout the world to the Rubicon Trail in El Dorado and Placer counties, each year. About 400 vehicles make the bumpy trek annually.

Lacey Stiles, an employee of Jeepers Jamboree Inc. in Georgetown, said that Jamboree participants would have to stay in camp overnight because the road was closed. She said they didn't have enough gas to turn around. Stiles said she was calling family members to alert them to the delay.

The accident is being investigated by the CHP. El Dorado County deputies assisted the Placer County Sheriff's Department with the incident.

Any additional information or updates will be posted on www.JeepersJamboree.com and on Jeepers Jamboree Facebook page.

Cris Alarcon, Placerville Newswire, July 29, 2012

Source: inedc.com

Kaaaaahhhhhhhn is at it again.

Our favourite (see what I did there) Euro design company is at it again. This time Kahn has created the "Kahn Expedition Vehicle." They are getting closer, but it seems they still only focus on cosmetic changes. Maybe this has something to do with all those crazy regulations they have in Europe. It comes in a military green colour (did it again), color matched fenders, gold brake calipers, smoked Xenon headlamps, LED running lights between the front fenders and bumper, 20" wheels and 275/55R20 tires. Did I mention the gold calipers? No clues on the inside yet other than it features perforated black leather seats. Enjoy.

Source: Carscoop

Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch

We got the opportunity to spend a few days at the Southern Missouri Off Road Ranch, or SMORR as most people know it, is located 5 miles South of Seymour Missouri along highway K. Our group was greeted by Kayla who managed to arrange for our entire group to have adjoining campsites. We had 6 Jeeps with us this and this was made even more amazing since the national Jeep Scrambler club was also at the park with 39 CJ-8's. Brandon has recently installed a nice shower house  and a small café. He will also do what he can to get your broken rig off the trail and try to help you get it fixed and back out for another run.

Located on 940 acres, the trails are marked well and rated from 1 to 5 with 5 being the most difficult. The trail ratings are pretty accurate and on par with other parks across the country. When I mention a trail, it's rating will follow in parenthesis. Trail map can be downloaded here. We started the day off with Pee Wee's Crossing (2), which is a nice easy trail along a stream bed. It was fairly dry this day, but we still hit some water that was never deeper than about six inches. I would imagine this changes after a good rain. Pee Wee's travels along the North side of the park and is a nice alternative to Ranch Road (1) to get from one side of the park to the other. You can see Pee Wee's at the beginning of the Day One video. Trails like the aptly Rocker Knocker (4) and Disturbed (4) provided some challenges for our rigs, while  Adventure Hill (5) was downright abusive. One in our group did manage to make it up the waterfall which is along Rock Knocker & Rattler (5). You can see that amazing feat in the 2nd day video below.


Trails in the Day One video include Pee Wee's Crossing, & Larry's Hill (4) around the 4 minute mark.



Trails in the Day Two video start with Rocker Knocker leading up to the Waterfall around the one minute mark, a brief glimpse of Doe Skid (4) is at 2:30, Rocky Road (4) is at the three minute mark.

British Company Plans For Spec Ops Jeep

PARIS — A British company took the classic Jeep Wrangler and militarized it in hopes of selling it to foreign armies unveiling its special forces variant Monday here at Eurosatory 2012.

Jankel started out selling sports cars in the 1950s and then specialized limousines to the ultra rich until 15 years ago when their clientele started dying off. Since then, they’ve entered the military market and haven’t looked back.

The company partnered with Chrysler, builder of Jeep, in 2008 to help it sell the iconic American Jeep to foreign armies. Now, they look to challenge Mercedes Benz and Land Rover to supply Europe’s armies with their future tactical wheeled fleets. It’s Europe’s answer to America’s Humvee.

Jankel’s hope is that European armies squeezed by shrinking budgets will look to the cheaper Jeep versus Mercedes Benz. Ghana and Uruguay have already bought variants of the Jeep J8 family of vehicles for UN missions.

Switzerland has started to test Jankel’s personnel and cargo carrier variant. Jeep J8 features six variants to include the light patrol and border patrol; personnel carrier; cargo and communications; military armored; ambulance; and pickup/chassis cab.

The Jeeps feature seats U.S. soldiers should recognize. Jankel’s has installed their blast limiting attenuation seats into vehicles like the Oshkosh Mine Resistant Ambush Protected All Terrain Vehicle the U.S. Army drives in Afghanistan.

The special forces variant called the Pegasus is the sexiest member of the family. It is named after the Pegasus Bridge crossing the Caen Canal the British 6th Airborne Division wrenched from the Germans in the invasion of Normandy in World War II. Lets just say Newman might have met a different fate at the end of Jurassic Park if he was driving this Jeep variant with two .50 caliber machine guns mounted to the Jeep’s roof and backseat.

Pegasus was built to load inside a CH-47 Chinook with the ability to unload it in 15 seconds. The Jeep is powered by a direct injection, common rail, turbo charged, intercooled diesel engine. The 24 volt electrical system features one NATO jump socket with two USB sockets.

Pegasus built the frame to fit inside the Chinook. The frame is 201 inches long, 79 inches wide, 72 inches tall with an 11 inch ground clearance. It has a curb weight of 6,610 pounds and a potential payload of 3,310 pounds.

The off road capabilities of the Pegasus have been beefed up to take on the stress of a special operations capability set. It can scale a 60% gradient and a 40%  side slope with the driver only.

Pegasus can carry four special operators and maybe a fifth in a pinch. Unit commanders can add an extended range fuel tank as well as underslung airlift solutions.

Lorne Stoddart, a commercial manager for Jankel, said they have targeted seven countries interested in Pegasus. He offered Holland as an example of one country who will have requirements to buy a vehicle like Pegasus.

Andrew Jankel, Jankel’s chairman, said his company chose not to bid for the U.S. Special Operations Command’s Ground Mobility Vehicle program because of the constantly changing requirements. He would prefer to let the BAE Systems and General Dynamics of the world fight that out.

Of course, if Congress can’t get its act together and avoid sequestration, then all bets are off and U.S. special operators might soon find themselves inside the Pegasus.

– Mike Hoffman

Source: www.defensetech.org
Read more: http://defensetech.org/2012/06/11/brits-militarize-jeep-wrangler-for-spec-ops-duty/#ixzz1xg9UU1i8 
Defense.org 

ExPo & the 2012 Overland Expo

Check out Expedition Portal's YouTube channel. They've been uploading some great videos for the past week from the 2012 Overland Expo.

2010 Wrangler Recall

DETROIT — Chrysler is recalling nearly 87,000 Jeep Wranglers in the U.S., Canada and elsewhere due to a risk of fires.

The recall affects only Wranglers from the 2010 model year that have automatic transmissions and were built before July 14, 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in documents posted Saturday on its website.

Debris can get caught between a plate that protects the transmission and the catalytic converter, causing a fire. A catalytic converter is part of the exhaust system and uses heat and precious metals to control pollution.

Chrysler knows of at least 14 complaints of fires caused by the problem with 2010 Wranglers. The company says it doesn't know of any injuries. It said debris can get trapped when the SUVs are driven off-road or through tall brush.

Chrysler, which makes the classic Wrangler and other Jeeps, will fix the problem free of charge by replacing the plate with a bar so debris doesn't get caught.

The recall affects about 68,000 Wranglers in the U.S., 6,000 in Canada, 1,500 in Mexico and about 11,000 in other countries, Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne said. Chrysler will contact all the owners by mail. Recall work is expected to begin this month.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also checked Wranglers from the 2007 through 2012 model years and determined that only the 2010 models had the debris problem. Mayne said the 2010 Wranglers had a transmission plate and catalytic converter that were configured differently than the Wranglers from the other model years.

NHTSA said in documents that it had received 14 complaints of Wrangler fires from the other model years, but Mayne said there was no pattern or common cause in those fires.

Source: Huffington Post

Poison Spyder's Larry McRae wins at Cinco de Baja

Poison Spyder Larry McRae Wins Modified Class at Cinco de Baja

By Charlene Bower of Bower Motorsports Media

BANNING, CA    MAY 9, 2012  –  Larry McRae drove the Poison Spyder Modified Ultra4 #4581 to a class win at the Ultra4 Cinco de Baja race last weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  With this Modified Class Western Series win and the 2012 Modified Class King of the Hammers win, the Poison Spyder Racing team is leading the Pro Series Modified Class and the Western Series Modified Class points race.  “The only thing that we had to do was put fuel in the car,” said driver Larry McRae.  “The crew prepped the car meticulously and have slowly worked the bugs out of the car making the 250 miles consecutively with no issues to speak of.”

A known and very respected rock crawler, driving fast is still a learning experience for Larry McRae.  “I’m a rock crawler…slow and technical driver.  The hardest part for me is learning to drive fast!  This was a fun, relaxing and a beautiful course that was perfect for giving me the seat time I lack in the faster stuff.”

Co-Driver Shad Kennedy, a desert racing veteran, helped navigate the light blue and silver Modified Ultra4.  The strategy for this race was to click off conservative laps early on and then see how the other competitors in the class were fairing.  Depending on the split times they would decide whether to race the last three laps or stay conservative to ensure a finish.  With the 5 lap – 40 mile loop race, the attrition rate allowed the Poison Spyder team to continue the conservative pace and preserve the car.

Even with the conservative pace they managed to finish 11^th overall in the much faster Ultra4 Unlimited 4400 class.  “We were tracking the split times of every lap, so we knew where we were in the big race,” said McRae.  “We had no reason to race the 4400’s at this race.  Our goal is to make a run at the 4500 class championship and our race strategy put us one step closer to successfully achieving that goal!”

We’ve made many improvements to the car since our last race,” said McRae.  The most notable change was to the innovative and somewhat controversial steering.  “I think this steering will be a game changer.  It made the car so much more drivable that we’ll need to spend more time tuning with FOX Shox for the higher speed this car is now capable of.”  Even with a nearly perfect race, they have already started full prep for the upcoming races this summer including 4 Wheel Parts Glen Helen Grand Prix in July and BITD Vegas to Reno in August as part of the Ultra4 Modified Series.

Follow Larry McRae and the Poison Spyder Racing team at www.facebook.com/PoisonSpyder or online atwww.PoisonSpyder.com

About Poison Spyder Racing:

Poison Spyder Racing strives to combine cutting edge innovation with a the highest levels of teamwork, competitiveness and sportsmanship.  As an extracurricular effort of Poison Spyder Customs, the race team gives the company an opportunity to push the limits of its engineering, design and fabrication abilities. The team’s flagship race car, the BFH Racer, was built by Poison Spyder Customs on its new, proprietary Venom Chassis.  The car was designed to be as competitive as possible in the new “Modified” class of Ultra4, introducing several new innovations to the sport.  The BFH Racer is piloted by veteran champion rockcrawler and Poison Spyder owner Larry McRae.  Co-driver Shad Kennedy, Poison Spyder’s general manager, led the design and fabrication team and also heads up the race team organization.  After winning the Modified class at the 2012 King Of the Hammers and the Ultra4 Cinco De Baja races, the team looks forward to continued success for the remainder of the season.

Source: Bower Motorsports Media

Chrysler calls investigation of Jeep fires 'simply terrible'

by BILL McGINTY / NewsChannel 36 Staff

Bio | Email | Follow: @billwcnc

Posted on April 27, 2012 at 11:25 PM

Updated yesterday at 11:42 PM

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Valentine’s Day 2012 did not go well for Deb Monauni when she returned home.  She got home from work and parked her 2007 Jeep Wrangler in her driveway.

“Literally, as I stopped, it exploded, full on ball of fire explosion in my driveway,” Monauni said.  “And I looked down this way and saw little flames coming out from under my jeep.”

Monauni said the fire was fast and furious. “It blew up, became totally engulfed in flames and there was an explosion.”

The fire quickly spread to the house.

“It was going up, which is my bottom floor, so it was taking out my support beams,” she added.

The fire department arrived at Deb’s mountain home west of Asheville.  They saved the damaged house, but the Jeep was a total loss and a bit of a mystery.

“I mean, I came home like I normally do, parked it and it caught fire,” she noted

Following NewsChannel 36 I-Team reports of Jeep Fires locally and around the country, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened up an investigation because of sudden fires in 2010 Jeep Wranglers.

But the catch is that Monauni’s Jeep was a 2007 Wrangler.

She said she didn’t know that 2007 and 2008 Jeep Wranglers were recalled in 2009 to address transmission problems which could, and did, lead to sudden fires in the engine compartment. The Jeep Wrangler owner’s manual says the hot oil light and a chime will warn that transmission fluid contacting the hot engine or the exhaust may cause a fire, and that if that message appears, drivers should stop.

Monauni said, “now what this warning light was supposed to do was flash ‘hot oil’ and that would let me know I was in danger of a fire.  That light never went off.”

Meanwhile, Rob Pyrock said his 2010 Jeep was driving fine when it too burst into flames in January in Indian Trail, and like Monauni, he said, “No warnings, no lights, no nothing.  It just died.”

But Chrysler told the Newchannel 36 I-Team that Pyrock’s Jeep fire was his fault, that grass under the jeep, the result of recent off-roading, was the cause of the fire and not a Jeep defect.

NewsChannel 36 challenged the “grass fire” cause in our first two stories, after which Chrysler Spokesman Michael Palese sent NewsChannel 36 an email.

“Look, your reports are simply terrible,” he wrote.  “Talk to someone who knows something about vehicle fires... You’re making a mess of this.”

The I-Team tracked down the Union County Fire Marshall who inspected Pyrock’s Jeep. The finding was “mechanical failure in the engine compartment.”  Grass isn’t mentioned anywhere in the two-page fire report.

Sean Kane, President of the consumer advocate group Safety Research and Strategies said, “We don’t have an exact origin of the fire and Chrysler has been blaming the drivers for improper maintenance or off-roading them.”

Back west of Asheville, Monauni was also asked questions about her driving and maintenance habits prior to her Jeep fire.  

“[Their] commercials have the cars climbing rocks and, you know, going through streams, doing crazy stuff. I don’t do any of that.  I just go to work and come back,” she noted.

The Federal Government is now looking at the 2010 models and getting data from model years 2007 through 2012. Is there a connection between Deb’s recalled 2007 Jeep that burned and the federal investigation of the 2010 models?

“Please refer to our previous statements,” Chrysler said.  “These vehicles meet or exceed all applicable federal safety standards and have excellent safety records.  Vehicle fires are very complex, can occur in any vehicle on the road today and are often caused by many reasons not associated with the vehicle itself.  Poor maintenance, faulty or poorly installed aftermarket equipment, etc. are common causes of vehicle fires.  NHTSA has opened a preliminary investigation into the 2010 model year Jeep Wrangler.  This preliminary investigation is limited to the 2010 model year. This is a preliminary investigation, not a recall, and Chrysler Group, as normal, is cooperating fully with the agency.”

But Monauni is still frustrated.

“I have been in shock, been angry—more angry than anything. I can’t even get a reply, not even an ‘I’m sorry this happened’.  Nothing.”

Would she ever buy another Jeep?

“No,” Monauni added.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude:

2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude:

• 2012 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition to arrive in Jeep showrooms next month
• Altitude model is newest special-edition Wrangler created in response to Jeep enthusiasts looking for factory-customized vehicles
• New Wrangler Unlimited Altitude follows last month's introduction of Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models
• All 2012 Jeep Wrangler models powered by 3.6-liter V-6 engine producing 285 horsepower and up to 21 miles per gallon
• Jeep Wrangler sales up 30 percent in 2012

On the heels of the popular Jeep® Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 and Arctic models – and in response to Wrangler enthusiasts' continued desire for limited-edition vehicles – Jeep is introducing its new, 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition. The Wrangler Unlimited Altitude is the latest Altitude model in the Jeep lineup, following the introduction of the Grand Cherokee, Compass and Patriot Altitude models last month.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120423/DE91149 )
Based on the 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara model, the Altitude edition offers Jeep enthusiasts a Wrangler with a unique appearance that includes a body-color hardtop combined with a variety of black-gloss exterior appointments, and a distinctive black-and-red interior theme.
"With sales up more than 30 percent year over year, Jeep Wrangler continues to show the special place it has in the hearts and minds of the American public," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "One of the many things Jeep enthusiasts love is the series of limited-volume, special-edition Wrangler models we produce. The new Wrangler Unlimited Altitude builds on the previous models and delivers consumers yet another fun and distinctive Jeep vehicle straight from the factory.
"With a production run of only 4,500 units, we expect the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude to sell out very quickly," Manley added.
Jeep Wrangler sales were up 43 percent in March 2012 versus March 2011, and are up 30 percent for the year (through March). The new 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition arrives in Jeep showrooms next month.
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude The new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition includes a body-color hardtop with matching painted center sections on the front and rear bumpers. Unique eighteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with black-painted spokes and polished wheel rings combine to give the Altitude model a one-of-a-kind appearance.
Wrangler Unlimited Altitude's exterior appointments are completed with the inclusion of a Mopar® black fuel fill door, a matte black "Jeep" grille badge and a black tone-on-tone hood graphic.
A black-and-red theme is found inside the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude. Specifically, red accent stitching adorns black leather seats, door panels, center arm rest, floor mats and steering wheel. Vent rings, steering-wheel spokes, door pulls and passenger-side dashboard grab handle and berber floor mats all appear in black, to provide the contrasting and one-of-a-kind interior.
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Altitude models are available in Deep Cherry Red, Black, Bright White and Bright Silver Metallic, and will be available at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $33,740.
2012 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Jeep Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – is even more capable both on- and off-road for 2012, courtesy of an all-new, more fuel efficient and more powerful 3.6-liter V-6 engine, and a new automatic transmission – both of which it shares with the award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Chrysler Group's 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine – winner of the prestigious Ward's 10 Best Engines award – delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, while delivering up to 21 miles per gallon highway in the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The improvement, when compared to the previous 3.8-liter V-6 engine, is 40 percent in horsepower and 10 percent in torque.
2012 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a recently redesigned instrument panel and storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are available, and drivers and passengers enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of large rear windows.
Jeep Brand Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.
The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all six Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.
SOURCE Chrysler Group LLC

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/04/23/4434781/jeep-introduces-new-limited-edition.html#storylink=cpy

Jeep Forward Control (FC) Review

This is by far the best review I've seen for the FC to date. Posted on Expedition Portal, Scott Brady has nailed his summery of this vehicle and has provided some very nice photos too. Pay attention to the pics, there are some nice surprises in there.

FIRST DRIVE-  I am finishing this article less than two hours after driving the Forward Control concept vehicle from the Jeep design team. We will add more images and detail in the coming days, but I wanted to give those interested an initial drive review.
The F-C is another important project for the Jeep design team as it continues to push and reinforce the brand emphasis on utility and brand heritage. While other US brands have bloated and softened their product lines at nearly the same rate as American waistlines, Jeep has actually become more capable and more purposeful (no, I will not use the word authenticity, which now has as much meaning as synergy or excellence. . . puke). The point here is that Jeep's design team gets it - and not just at the level of enthusiasts, but even beyond that by making concepts that even the enthusiasts get all giddy about. This is an important distinction. Mark Allen and his team do not have focus groups or customer 'needs' pow wows, they are thinking of extremely cool vehicles that even the most die-hard Jeep enthusiast hasn't dreamed up. Now understandably, vehicles like the NuKaiser and the F-C will never go into production, but real, breathing and desirable vehicles will be constructed from the DNA of these lustful objects.
There is also another critical result from these concept vehicles - they actually work. They are not just some clay, plastic and chicken wire rendition that needs to be viewed from 30 feet, these Jeeps actually run, drive and 'wheel' like a fourwheeler's best daydream. It is shocking to me, but Jeep unleashes the media on these trucks, and based on what we can see, only 1 out of 10 of these people know a locker switch from a seat heater switch. Within a few minutes of arriving at our play area, I had jumped in several new concepts, but saved the F-C for last, most importantly so I could have a little more time. Ever patient, one of the Jeep design team members hopped into the seat next to me and said "I know you Scott - lets have some fun with it"; and off we went, trundling down the trail barely able to see because I was laughing and smiling so much. 30 seconds in and I had declared the F-C to be Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, a fanciful combination of 'Tonka truck fantasy' and 'I cannot believe they are letting me drive this'.
 
Immediately, I was taken by two things: 1. You are WAY up in the air 2. This things drives WAY better than it should. My test loop started with a cambered sand track that forced several of the other concepts to drift down slope and require a bit of throttle and counter-steer to correct. The long wheelbase and wide track of the F-C held the line and even at about 20 degrees of side slope, it felt stable. Sitting just above the front tires, I expected the truck to bounce uncontrollably, but it didn't, so long as you didn't push the speed to much. Given that the F-C is a one-off concept, the spring rate and shock valving was 95% there.  I would rate the ride as comfortable, mostly a contribution of the soft front spring rate and nearly perfect compression valving. I just ambled along, climbing long slickrock fins and over various ledges and cross-axle obstacles. None felt odd or even difficult - we never turned on a locker. Descending a 35% slope felt a little unusual, and not because the rear got light, but because all you see is the bottom, and all you can think about is that your face would be the crumple zone in any endo. Climbing was effortless. However, given all the F-C's capability, all I could think of was how fun it would be to drive in the deserts of Africa, the bed loaded with a few drums of fuel, a live goat or two for dinner and some Tuareg, holding on to the roof and pointing east. Concept or not - this is one fun truck!

Plan your 2012 Easter Jeep Safari Trails Here

Head on over to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers to find out which trails will work for on which days. Follow the link for a handy little chart.  The Red Rock 4-Wheelers have been hosting this event since the 1980's.

Jeep's Moab Six

 Jeep always seems to develop some of the coolest concepts. I would love to see each one of these make it to production but especially the J-12 and the FC. That FC would make a incredible expedition vehicle for touring the park system in the US and traveling abroad. Even more so if they would make it in a 4 door or "club cab" variety. Now...on to the press release.

Jeep® and Mopar Unveil Six New Vehicles for the 46th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari

All vehicles feature an array of Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories

• Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept adds even more legendary Jeep 4x4 capability
• Jeep Wrangler Apache introduces new Mopar 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 conversion kit
• Mighty FC Concept features Mopar portal axles; harkens back to Jeep Forward Control models of 1950s and 1960s
• Jeep J-12 Concept: extended version of Mopar JK-8 conversion kit
• Mopar-accessorized Jeep Wrangler showcases many of the more than 250 Mopar offerings available for Wrangler
• Jeep Wrangler Traildozer: extreme 37-inch tires and another interpretation of a V-8 Wrangler
• Mopar creates new off-road division to develop Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories

March 27, 2012 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Jeep® and Mopar are ready for a week of wheeling in Moab.

The brands have created six new vehicles – all featuring a host of Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories – for the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Now in its 46th year and taking place March 31 – April 8, the Easter Jeep Safari will be attended by thousands of die-hard off-road enthusiasts looking to enjoy a week of wheeling on some of the country’s most renowned and challenging trails. Mopar also announced the creation of an off-road division that will create Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories.

“We’re delighted to showcase six new vehicles to our loyal Jeep fans at this year’s Moab Easter Jeep Safari,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Jeep Safari has long been a great way for Jeep to connect with its core audience. We look forward to spending the week demonstrating our latest potential production and customization ideas and gathering instant feedback from the most knowledgeable 4x4 enthusiasts in the world.”

To create these new vehicles, Jeep teamed with Mopar, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and offers more than 1,000 accessories and performance parts for Jeep vehicles.

“Mopar is tapping into a growing trend among extreme Jeep enthusiasts who want even more power and capability on the trail,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customer-care brand. “This year, Mopar is pushing the envelope in this arena by offering our customers new Pro 60 portal axles and a new HEMI conversion kit, which we will showcase in these new vehicles. In addition, to further maximize our presence in the off-road market, we are creating a Mopar Off-Road division to develop Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories.”

Since 2002, Jeep and Mopar have teamed to create more than 30 unique concept vehicles for enthusiasts who attend the popular Easter Jeep Safari.

Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories, New Mopar Off-road DivisionJeep engineers, working closely with Mopar’s new off-road division, will create authentic parts and accessories for Jeep vehicles. New products from the group will be called Jeep Authentic Parts and Accessories. Each part and accessory will be specifically designed, built and quality-tested in order to meet strict Jeep specifications and fulfill the Jeep brand’s requirements for 4x4 capability, craftsmanship and versatility.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Apache from Mopar




Jeep enthusiasts have been asking for a V-8 powered Jeep HEMI Wrangler, and Mopar is coming through. Debuting at the Easter Jeep Safari will be the new Mopar 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine conversion kit specifically for the Jeep Wrangler. Producing approximately 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels, the Mopar V-8 conversion kit gives Jeep enthusiasts an unprecedented blend of power and capability. 

Available this summer, the Mopar Wrangler V-8 conversion kit initially will mate to Chrysler Group’s W5A580 five-speed automatic transmission, and eventually to the six-speed manual transmission that drives the 2012 production Wrangler.

Other performance parts on the Jeep Wrangler Apache are Mopar Pro 60 5.13 front and rear axles, a 4.5-inch Stage 3 long arm lift kit and off-road bead-lock wheels. Aesthetic and functional modifications include high-clearance flat fenders, rock rails, front and rear half-door kits, a Stinger front bumper, a Warn 9.5ti XP winch, Katzkin leather seats, a locking center console box and a Mopar branded interior.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Concept

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is well known for its benchmark off-road capability, courtesy of its Quadra-Lift™ air suspension, Selec-Terrain™ traction control system, Off-Road Adventure packages, tow/recovery hooks tested to twice the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight, and class-leading 4x4 systems – including Jeep’s Quadra-Drive® II system that includes a rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), delivering industry-leading tractive capability.

Already the most awarded SUV ever over its lifetime compared to any other SUV, the new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk concept takes the premium Jeep vehicle’s legendary off-road prowess to a new level, while providing a one-of-a-kind, more aggressive visual punch sure to delight Jeep enthusiasts.

Leading the off-road improvement are new 18-inch Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor off-road tires – chosen to provide even more aggressive off-road performance combined with quiet highway manners – that are wrapped around new painted 5-spoke alloy Mineral Gray wheels. Grand Cherokee Trailhawk’s SilentArmor tires include additional side-wall protection that enhances durability and reduces road noise. Modified Mopar rock rails – engineered to fully protect the lower body from rugged rocky terrain – are included and add to the functional off-road capability.

Visually, while the vehicle is featured in Stone White, a Mineral Gray and Red theme is highlighted throughout. Specifically, the grille surround, lower front applique, mirror caps and rear light bar join the wheels in Mineral Gray, while contrasting in eye-catching Red are the upper grille mesh, front and rear tow hooks, Jeep logos on wheel center caps and bolt holes in the alloy wheels. A Red trim line outlines a matte black hood applique that is utilized to reduce glare during technical off-road maneuvers.

Other unique touches include black headlamp surrounds, black exterior front and rear badging, Red “Trail Rated” badges on the front fenders and a unique “Trailhawk” badge on the rear tailgate.

Jeep Mighty FC Concept

The Jeep Forward Control was built from 1956 to 1965 and offered a clever packaging solution.
It kept overall length at a minimum for maneuverability but maintained a full-length cargo box for utility. For 2012, Jeep has created a modern version of this classic: the Jeep Mighty FC concept.

To create the Jeep Mighty FC concept, the design team started with a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon and repositioned the cabin over and ahead of the front axle, lengthened the wheelbase, and added a custom built drop-side cargo box. The cab utilizes a roof from the Mopar JK-8 conversion kit, as well as a custom-designed front clip. The Wrangler-based interior has been enhanced with bold, heavy-duty Katzkin leather and a unique color scheme. The cargo area is handled by a full-width, drop-side tray-style bed that measures more than eight feet in length.

Off-road function is dramatically improved with the addition of Mopar’s new Portal Axle set. These offset axles offer the greatest amount of ground clearance without requiring excessive suspension lift.

Mopar’s Front Portal Axle (8-lug, part number P5155670) is available at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $12,500, and the Rear Portal Axle’s (8-lug, part number P5155671) MSRP is $11,000.

The axles are controlled with King coil-over assemblies along with beefy Teraflex control arms and track bars. Traction is handled by massive 40-inch tires mounted on custom Hutchinson 17-inch beadlock wheels.

Other Jeep Mighty FC highlights include King coil-over reservoir shocks, Hanson bumpers, a Warn 16.5 winch and a Corsa stainless steel exhaust system.



Jeep J-12 Concept

The Jeep J-12 concept is essentially an extended version of Mopar’s recently introduced JK-8 pickup conversion kit for the Jeep Wrangler. With a new 2012 Wrangler Unlimited as the starting point, the rear of the vehicle’s frame is extended 18 inches, allowing the spare tire to be relocated under the bed floor and making the cargo box a full six feet in length. A custom hood and front fender set was created as a nod to aficionados of the beloved Jeep Gladiator series trucks.

Off-road muscle has been improved with the addition of the new Mopar three-inch suspension lift kit, as well as Teraflex sway bars controlling ARB air-locker equipped Dynatrac D-44 and D-60 axle assemblies. Traction is handled through classic 36-inch tires mounted on 16-inch steel wheels.

The cabin of the J-12 concept has been “dressed down” in support of a basic truck theme, with the carpet being replaced by rugged truck bed liner, and the bucket seats re-crafted into a modern version of a bench seat, trimmed in white with a whimsical plaid pattern.

Further highlights include a Mopar fuel-filler door, Mopar slush mats, Tom Woods custom driveshafts and Katzkin seat trim.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Traildozer Concept

To prep are the Jeep Wrangler Traildozer for Moab’s toughest trails, Jeep Design worked closely with the American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) engineering team to bring it to life. Starting with a new Dozer Yellow 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the team added a bolt-in 470 horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine mated to a Getrag 238 six-speed manual transmission. Power runs through Rubicon-specific Dana 44 axles equipped with 4:10 gears and electronic locking differentials.

To clear the 37-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw radials mounted on Mopar Classic five-spoke wheels,
an AEV Dualsport RS 3.5-inch suspension lift was installed. For severe off-road body protection, Mopar premium front and rear bumpers and rear corner guards were added. Additional items include a Mopar performance heat reduction hood, Mopar half-door kit and a Mopar/Warn 9.5 Cti winch.

Jeep Wrangler Traildozer’s interior includes an AEV ‘F-1’ leather seat trim kit and Mopar slush mats
.