1989 Jeep Wrangler Base Sport Utility 2-door 4.2l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Weekly Recap: Hackers demonstrate auto industry's vulnerability

There's always been a certain risk associated with driving, and this week cyber security came into focus as the latest danger zone when researchers demonstrated how easily they could hack into a 2014 Jeep Cherokee from across the country. The incident raised concerns over the vulnerability of today's cars, many of which double as smartphones and hot spots. During the now-infamous experiment, Chris Valasek and Charlie Miller infiltrated the Jeep's cellular connection and were able to control the infotainment system, brakes, and other functions. The hackers told the Jeep's maker, FCA US, of their findings last year, the company devised a software fix. Though Valesek and Miller hacked a Cherokee (like the one shown above), several FCA products, including recent versions of the Ram, Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, and Viper were also affected, illustrating potentially wide exposure that could reverberate across the sector. "For the auto industry, this is a very important event and shows that cyber-security protection is needed even sooner than previously planned," Egil Juliussen, senior analyst and research director for IHS Automotive, wrote in a research note. "Five years ago, the auto industry did not consider cyber security as a near-term problem. This view has changed." Hours after the Cherokee hacking incident was publicized on Tuesday, Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) introduced legislation to direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Trade Commission to establish national standards for automotive cyber security. The bill also would require vehicles to have a cyber-rating system to alert consumers how well their cars' privacy and security are defended. "Drivers shouldn't have to choose between being connected and being protected," Markey said in a statement. "We need clear rules of the road that protect cars from hackers and American families from data trackers." Though FCA and its Jeep Cherokee were in the spotlight this time, they were just the latest to showcase how automotive technology has advanced faster than safety and regulatory measures. IHS forecasts 82.5 million cars will be connected to the internet by 2022, which is more than three times today's level. "Cyber-security will become a major challenge for the auto industry and solutions are long overdue," Juliussen said.

Chrysler highlights Mopar lineup for SEMA

SEMA is all about aftermarket parts, and in Auburn Hills that all comes down to one name: Mopar. After having previewed its lineup for this year's Vegas tuner expo earlier this month, Chrysler has now revealed what may not quite be its full dossier of modified show cars, but a good portion of them.
All told Mopar is preparing 20 vehicles for display at SEMA this year. Among them you'll find the Ram Sun Chaser, a 1500 Quad Cab show truck kitted out in two-tone orange and black paint, a roof rack for surfboards, onboard shower and convertible tailgate. The white Fiat 500L is called the Adventurer and is modified for a more rugged look that could hint at the upcoming crossover version. The Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver upgrades on the Trailhawk package with everything from roof basket to rock rails. To counterbalance the off-roaders, there's also a modified Chrysler 300S with a deep black paint job, special grille, Varvatos-edition wheels and more.
All four concepts details so far have Katzkin interiors as well, and there's also an unspecified Dodge Durango with a storm-trooper look in the gallery above. But for more details on what Mopar has installed on the Ram, 500L, Cherokee and 300, you'll want to delve into the press release below.

Jeep to reveal new 2018 Wrangler in November, document shows

Jeep's much-awaited next-generation 2018 Wrangler looks set for a November reveal, according to a product graphic released by an FCA employee on Twitter. The SUV off-roader will move from Toledo South to Toledo North for production, with no lost production during the changeover. Information about the 2018 Wrangler has leaked for years now in dribs and drabs. The recent leak of an owner's manual and user guide provided the most details to date, including engine version — a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Pentatar V6 — plus features like a power sliding top, removable soft top and doors, foldable windshield, 4WD Auto mode. Options include a blind-spot monitoring system and heated seats. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. The new Wrangler is expected to feature an evolutionary restyling, with a slightly more aerodynamic body, aluminum body panels, LED lighting, eight-speed automatic transmission and an available diesel powertrain. Jeep has also confirmed a pickup truck version to be revealed shortly after the Wrangler JL. Here's a running list of everything we know about the new Wrangler JL. The FCA chart also suggests Jeep will reveal its new Cherokee and Ram 1500 during the first quarter of 2018, likely at the Detroit auto show.Related Video: