2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic, Low Miles No Reserve! on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Jeep Wrangler's shift to aluminum could see production leave Toledo

The Jeep Wrangler may be a timeless design, but sooner or later, time will run out and Chrysler will have to replace it with a newer model more friendly towards the earth it's designed to traverse. That will, it seems, mean a shift to aluminum construction (whether just for the body or for the entire structure) - but what will that mean for the Wrangler's long-time home of Toledo, OH?
According to the latest pronouncements from Fiat Chrysler chief Sergio Marchionne, the shift to an aluminum Wrangler would likely mean moving production out of Toledo. "If the solution is aluminum," Marchionne told Automotive News, "then I think unfortunately Toledo is the wrong place, the wrong setup to try and build a Wrangler, because it requires a complete reconfiguring of the assets that would be cost-prohibitive."
Marchionne also indicated that, were Wrangler production to move elsewhere, it would find another line to take its place in Ohio. "One of the thing that we are dealing with now is what else we do with Toledo that fulfills our commitment to the city and to Ohio. I don't have a doubt that there will be zero impact on head count and employment levels and anything else." Jeep has built the Wrangler in Toledo since World War II, with the exception of six years starting in 1986 when it was built in Brampton, Ontario. The complex dates back to 1910 and currently produces the Wrangler and Cherokee. Past products have included the Wagoneer and Commanche as well as the Dodge Dakota and Nitro.

Refreshed Chrysler 300 SRT won't be sold in NA

It looks like it might be time to bid farewell to the V8 rumble from the Chrysler 300 SRT - at least if you live in North America. The reported change comes as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles reshuffles its ranks with the Dodge brand, re-absorbing SRT and building its muscular reputation with the Challenger and Charger Hellcat models. Meanwhile, Chrysler is taking a more mainstream approach, and that likely means the end of overt high-performance models from the division for now.
According to Automotive News, the 300 SRT will be discontinued in the US for 2015, but it won't be totally dead. Some right-hand drive markets will still get the brawny V8 sedan next year, a distinction that goes a long way toward explaining some spy shots we've seen recently.
The 300 SRT's North American demise probably shouldn't come as a total shock. In FCA's five-year plan, it says that the 300 is destined for a refresh to be unveiled later this year, presumably at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show. There's no mention of the SRT model in the document, though, which seems to signal its end.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk revived and leaked

We'd love to tell you all about the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk you see here. Thing is, we don't really know all that much. That's because, according to our colleagues at Jalopnik, it hasn't quite been officially unveiled yet. But that's probably right around the corner, now that the cat is out of the bag. From the leaked images, we can tell that this Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is a lot like the Trailhawk that was produced as a special edition for the 2013 model year. Even the graphics look similar. Expect to see some aggressive tires to go along with all the best off-road goodies Jeep has to offer. Throw in some red tow hooks to match the contrasting interior stitching, mix together some underbody protection, and you've probably got yourself a Trailhawk. We'll have to wait until FCA decides to unleash the official goods to know for sure what we're looking at, but we doubt there's a supercharged V8 underhood. We do know that's coming, hopefully soon, but this isn't it. So, while we patiently wait for that Hellcat-powered Trackhawk to make an appearance outside the realm of spy shots, enjoy the Trailhawk you see here. Related Video: Featured Gallery Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles