2006 Jeep Commander 65th Anniversary Edition 4wd on 2040-cars

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Fiat Chrysler picks Google, Samsung for global connected car system

DETROIT — Fiat Chrysler said on Tuesday it will use technology from Alphabet Inc's Google and Samsung to connect all its vehicles by 2022, providing music and video and facilitating future car-sharing and self-driving capabilities. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCA) will use Google's Android operating system globally instead of a mixture of software that varies by region, a spokesman said. The automaker will also use a cloud-based digital platform from Samsung Electronics Co Ltd's Harman unit. Unlike its rivals General Motors and Ford, FCA has spent virtually nothing on developing self-driving vehicle technology. This saves the company large amounts of money, but makes it reliant on outside parties to provide technology and systems. FCA said it will launch the new capabilities in the second half of 2019. The company said the system will aid owners "by predicting maintenance needs, locating fuel and charging stations, receiving traffic prompts and restaurant offers and providing live customer-care assistance at the push of the button." Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM Technology Emerging Technologies connected car

It lives! Our first glimpse of the Jeep Wrangler pickup

Okay, it's real now. We've been hearing rumors for years, and Jeep officials have confirmed a pickup will be added to the next-gen Wrangler lineup, but now we have our first photographic evidence of the long-awaited variant. It looks huge, and we're totally okay with that. These photos show a very-long-wheelbase Wrangler with a decent-size pickup bed. It looks to be about the same overall size as the AEV Brute Double Cab Wrangler pickup conversion, which itself is about the length of a Suburban. The bed appears to be in the five-foot range, maybe slightly shorter than the standard box of a half-ton truck. And those taillights, or at lest the covers on them, recall the shape of the lights on a Ram. These overhead shots also give a better look at the next Wrangler's evolved seven-slot grille. We see bigger spacing between thinner ribs, which would seem antithetical to the goal of improving the Wrangler's traditionally poor aerodynamics. It's possible FCA is using an air shutter to manage airflow, as it does on the Ram pickups and some other products. Related Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Detailed Spy Photos View 18 Photos To recap what we know about the next Wrangler: It's expected to offer a gas V6 once again, as well as a turbocharged four-cylinder nicknamed Hurricane and an EcoDiesel-branded diesel engine. There have also been rumors of a hybrid powertrain. We don't yet know how many of those engines will make it to the pickup, but at least one gas engine and the diesel are safe bets. People love the idea of diesel Jeep pickups. We also know from interior spy photos that at least some of those new powertrains will use an eight-speed automatic. That, the modern engines, and improved aero will help the Wrangler be more efficient while still retaining much of its rugged, blocky look. The two- and four-door Wranglers are expected for the 2018 model year, with the pickup following for 2018 or 2019. Related Video:

2018 Jeep Wrangler owner’s manuals leaked, and they tell us much — but not all

If you're looking for some light reading to start your week, we have a suggestion for you. The " Owner's Manual" and the " User Guide" for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have leaked, and have been posted on the JL Wrangler Forums. They appear to be the real deal. There's a ton of information, and many pages to pore over, but here's a little bit of what we've gleaned so far. The documents (assuming they're not just some very elaborate and convincing hoax) confirm the power sliding top, which is not removable, though the rear quarter windows are. We're not seeing any mention of a power soft top, though. There are instructions on door removal, as well as folding down the windshield. The manuals also confirm a 4WD Auto mode that shifts power between the front and rear axles as needed. What we don't appear to have yet are complete specifications. The manuals mention the 2.0-liter and 3.6-liter engines, but not their output figures. The 2.0-liter recommends premium fuel, while the 3.6-liter only needs 87 octane. Towing capacity for the two-door models is 2,000 pounds, while the four-door versions are capable of 3,500 pounds. The manuals also provide a lot of images, if you're interested in seeing the nitty gritty details of the Wrangler's various functions. Take a look, and make sure to post any interesting findings in the comments section, below. Related Video: