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2014 Jeep Cherokee dreams of Moab, crawls on stage [w/video]

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee inched its way onto the stage at the New York Auto Show today, proving that at least the "Trail Rated" version of the SUV is more than just a controversial unique odd fresh face in the mid-size segment. After the short, simulated Moab run by the Trailhawk model, the gray four-door was joined on the stage by a burgundy Limited model - the luxurious highway variant.
As a recap, the all-new 2014 Cherokee rides atop a modular Alfa Romeo-derived platform (we know it from the Dodge Dart) and will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive models with a choice between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (rated at 184 horsepower) and a new 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 (developing 271 horsepower) engine. A nine-speed automatic is standard and no less than three different all-wheel drive systems are available.
Of the four different models (Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk), we like the rugged looks and capabilities offered by the Trailhawk the best. Overlook the red tow hooks and check out its more aggressive wheel/tire package, flared fenders, reduced breakover angle and lack of brightwork in our gallery of live images from the New York show. Skid plates and off-road capable tires round out the package. Read all the details in the official press release below.

2014 Jeep Cherokee marketing launches with 'Built Free' commercial

Now that the 2014 Cherokee is finally on its way to dealerships, Jeep is starting its marketing blitz for its new crossover, beginning with this 60-second TV spot, called Built Free, that premieres today. Set to a Bob Dylan recording, the ad spot discusses something we can all relate to - the feeling of being too busy and too cooped up with everyday tasks to really get out there and explore the world. But as Jeep says in the commercial, "You're still here. And you're still you. The horizons haven't gone anywhere."
Autoblog spoke to Kim Adams-House, head of marketing for the Jeep brand, who explained that this Built Free spot is "an anthemic piece" that "sparks the conversation" for the new Cherokee. As you'll notice, none of the new Jeep's features - its off-road systems, nine-speed automatic transmission, etc. - are mentioned in the ad, but Adams-House says that future marketing "will speak to more" of the CUV's highlights. Following this 60-second spot, 30-second commercials will launch that talk about some of the specific product features.
When asked if the Built Free campaign will include any throwbacks to the original Cherokee, Adams-House told Autoblog that while "we love that vehicle," the new spots are intended to carve out "a unique space for Cherokee in our product portfolio and marketplace." On that same note, don't expect any other Jeep vehicles to get the Built Free treatment. Adams-House said that while this ad "does resonate overall with the brand," it is solely intended to promote the new Cherokee.

Chrysler expecting up to 200,000 9-speed transmissions for 3 models this year

Striving for improved fuel economy, we already knew that Chrysler will begin using a nine-speed automatic transmission in some of its new products this year, but what we haven't known is that volume at which this gearbox will be used. According to Bloomberg, Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne has been quoted as saying that the automaker expects to sell close to 200,000 units equipped with this new transmission in 2013. Those gear-rich trannies will be spread out across three models, consisting of the redesigned Chrysler 200, the still-unnamed Jeep Liberty replacement and the Dodge Dart.
This transmission should play a pivotal role in making Chrysler vehicles more competitive in their respective segments. Just for comparison, one of the Dart's key competitors, the Toyota Corolla, still uses a four-speed automatic, and a previous report indicates that the next-generation 200 could get up to 38 miles per gallon on the highway, which is better than most non-hybrid midsize sedans on the market. Marchionne says that the new Jeep model is expected during the second quarter of this year, but there is no word as to when the new 200 or nine-speed Dart will debut, but clearly Dodge would like to have the transmission in its compact yesterday. As for that volume figure, it definitely doesn't seem out of reach since the Dart, Liberty and 200 combined for a total of more than 225,000 units in 2012.
How many more gears can we expect in future cars? Probably not many more, since the CEO of transmission-builder ZF, Stefan Sommer, previously stated that nine speeds was the "natural limit" for transmissions.