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Off-roader plows through a deep bog like it was nothing

The Facebook page Jeeps With Attitude runs a weekly series called Too Deep Tuesday wherein they post videos of off-roaders running their rigs through bogs and mud holes of surprising depth and coming out the other side soggy but relatively unscathed. This week's video, in which a driver extracts a buried vehicle from the muddiest bog in the land, is the perfect mix of nutso bravery and off-road know-how. The video starts with the vehicle already sunk to its hood and listing to starboard in a deep, sticky bog. Slowly but surely, the vehicle creeps forward through the mud, pushing a heavy bow wave of muck and debris in front of it. Unlike other recent videos where jeep drivers lost their rides in the water and destroyed their expensive toys, this driver keeps his cool and with a steady foot on the accelerator and the help of a winch and a convenient tree, eventually emerges triumphant. What did he do right? Well, using the vehicle's winch to help pull the rig out of the mud was the big thing. Also, he kept his cool and, once committed, never hesitated or deviated from his chosen path. Gunning it blindly or backing up in that mess would have meant almost certain death for that vehicle, a lesson that the aforementioned Jeep drivers learned the hard way. Related Video: News Source: Facebook Weird Car News Jeep Driving Off-Road Vehicles Videos

Jeep Wrangler with turbo four now available for order – at $3,000 extra

As a break from tradition, the JL body Jeep Wrangler will be available with a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engine. Sources say the 268-horsepower, 295 lb-ft turbo four is now available to be ordered from Jeep dealers, according to a post at the JL Wrangler forums. The kicker is that even though choosing the 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo is a $1,000 option over the base, 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque, it will only be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission which is itself a $2,000 option, bringing the turbo total to $3,000. Reasons to go for the blown four banger include most likely better fuel economy and improved full-throttle acceleration, even if a six-speed stick shift option would be a good companion for a turbo engine. Our test drive in December noted the overall gearing of the automatic to be quite low, which traditionally compromises fuel economy. Interestingly, there will be a "mild" eTorque plug-in hybrid version of the JL Wrangler in 2020, based on the aforementioned turbo engine. The other upcoming engine option will be a 3.0-liter V6 diesel, with a nearly similar 260-hp power figure but a more substantial 442 lb-ft torque reading. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: JL Wrangler ForumsImage Credit: FCA US Auto News Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles

Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrid confirmed for 2020

The Jeep Wrangler will get a plug-in hybrid electric model in 2020, brand head Mike Manley confirmed this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a move he says is "future proofing" the legendary off-roader. "A full plug-in electric Jeep Wrangler will be available in 2020, furthering our commitment to all those who value the responsible, sustainable enjoyment of the great outdoors and very importantly, future proofing this Wrangler for generations to come," he said after the reveal of the 2018 model. It was reminiscent of a Steve Jobs 'One More Thing' moment from an Apple event. Manley explained the details of the new Wrangler, codenamed JL, and then dropped the EV nugget near the end of the press conference in Los Angeles. He didn't offer up further details like range or power. The plug-in hybrid will join a now-expansive powertrain lineup for new generation of the Wrangler. Jeep will offer a mild hybrid next year with its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. Called eTorque, the hybrid adds regeneration, stop-start and electric power assist. This system makes 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. In 2019, the Wrangler will get a 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine rated at 260 hp and 442 lb-ft. The tried-and-true Pentastar V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft also continues. In an exclusive interview with Autoblog in January, Manley previewed the Wrangler's electric plans at the Detroit Auto Show. "The hybridization could actually help Wrangler," he said, noting it could improve torque distribution, a critical element for four-wheel drive vehicles." He added, "Electrification, absolutely. I could see Wrangler being a form of electric." The 2018 Wrangler goes on sale in January featuring a raft of improvements. It is about 200 pounds lighter thanks to the use of aluminum. There are also new engines, updated styling features and a nicer interior. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon View 80 Photos Green LA Auto Show Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles confirmed 2017 LA Auto Show