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Completely uncovered 2018 Jeep Wrangler reveals evidence for folding windshield

After months of peering through heavy tarps and vinyl wraps, we finally get our very first look at a 2018 Wrangler without any camouflage at all. The photo comes from a user at JL Wrangler Forums, and it seems to show the truck rolling off the assembly line. Unfortunately, the angle isn't great, but it does give us a look at some of the detail changes to the body compared with the previous one. The most noticeable new detail is the vent that sits in a triangular scallop in the front fender. There's also a tumblehome character line running along the doors. Both of these styling features are consistent with leaked images and fan renderings also published by JL Wrangler Forums. The door handles have also changed, and appear to be more conventional pull-to-open pieces rather than the chunky pushbutton handles on the current Wrangler. It seems like the new Wrangler will still embrace open-air motoring, too. The doors retain exposed hinges that seem to be designed with easy removal in mind. Not only that, but we can see styled rubber pads on the hood. These have been featured on Wranglers all through the years to provide a cushion for when the windshield is folded down. So we would expect the windshield on the new Wrangler to be foldable, too. And, of course, this Wrangler has the traditional fabric folding top. We still expect to see the Wrangler make its official debut at the L.A. auto show, with sales beginning soon after. It will offer gasoline V6 and four-cylinder engines to start, with a diesel version coming later. The Wrangler also will likely gain new features including a hardtop with power sliding panels, and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Related Video: News Source: JL Wrangler ForumsImage Credit: JL Wrangler Forums Spy Photos Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles jeep wrangler jl

2014 Jeep Patriot and Compass ditch CVT for six-speed auto

It was reported in Automotive News a few months ago, but a new report on Allpar.com adds some details to news that the 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot will get a six-speed automatic to replace the CVTs they currently use. According to a tip provided to Allpar, the 2014 models will begin production in March and be on sale sometime in the summer. The Jatco-sourced CVT in use until now - Jatco is owned by Nissan and Mitsubishi - has been often criticized, and many won't be sad to see it go.
The incoming six-speed automatic is said to be an all-wheel-drive cog-swapper that's the work of Hyundai and Magna and has been paired with the DynaMax AWD system used in the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage. It won't be the only Chrysler product using a transmission with ties to Hyundai: the six-speed automatic in the Dodge Dart comes from Powertech, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai. With the Patriot and Compass said to be driving down the trail for the last time this year, it will be a short run for the new tranny and the rumored addition of a backup camera and power rear liftgate on the Compass.

Ford leads top searched-for car brands on Google in 2014

With less than two weeks until 2014 takes its final bow, anyone and everyone is looking back on the past 50 or so weeks to see how they stacked up. For search giant Google, that means its time to check out its annual Trends report. Besides the most popular search term (the late, great Robin Williams), the most searched for gadget (the iPhone 6) and most searched for disease symptoms (quite worryingly, Ebola took the crown here), we have the most searched for automaker. With the long-awaited sixth-generation of one of America's most iconic vehicles, the Mustang, and a ground-breaking update for the US market's perennial best seller, the F-Series, it should come as no surprise at all that Ford was Google's most searched for automaker in 2014. Jeep captured second place, while Dodge, took third. We suspect introducing a pair of cars with 707 horsepower had something to do with that bronze medal... Scroll down to see the rest of this year's most searched for automakers, and then head into Comments and let us know if you're surprised by any of these. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2015 Ford Mustang: First Drive View 55 Photos News Source: Google via AutoGuideImage Credit: Copyright 2014 Drew Phillips / AOL Dodge Ford Jeep Technology