2007 Jeep Compass Sport on 2040-cars

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Jeep Wrangler production in Toledo to nearly double by 2018

The Jeep Wrangler's future in Toledo, OH, is officially secure. FCA US announced plans on Thursday to spend $1.05 billion to retool the Wrangler factory and another site in Illinois to build Jeeps. The investment could add up to 1,000 jobs, and, according to The Detroit Free Press, allow Jeep to build as many as 450,000 Wrangler models in Toledo. FCA is investing $700 million to make over the Toledo North factory to build the next-generation Wrangler – a vehicle that's hotly anticipated by enthusiasts. FCA said this will add about 700 new jobs. The Wrangler factory is part of a multi-site complex in Ohio, and FCA said an announcement about the South factory will come later. Nearly two years ago, FCA chief executive Sergio Marchionne touched off a firestorm by suggesting the Wrangler could leave Toledo, though plans to keep the iconic Jeep there quickly proceeded. Automotive News reports the new Wrangler will use some aluminum elements, run a turbo four-cylinder engine, and offer a diesel variant. Designers will also pay increased attention to aerodynamics, though maintain the Wrangler's familiar appearance. Additionally, FCA reportedly plans to build a Wrangler pickup in Toledo. That 450,000-vehicle threshold could potentially break down into 350,000 traditional Wrangler models, along with another 100,000 Wrangler-based pickup trucks. When the current Toledo plant was opened in 2005, Chrysler said its capacity was about 150,000 vehicles per year. Since then, that figure has increased to about 240,000 Wranglers yearly, and Jeep has no problem selling that many. FCA's factory in Belvidere, IL, gets $350 million for upgrades to produce the Jeep Cherokee, which moves there in 2017 from Toledo as part of a product shuffle. FCA builds the Dodge Dart and Jeep's Patriot and Compass in Belvidere. The automaker is killing the Dart and will replace the compact Jeeps with a single model next year. The moves are part of FCA's strategy to fortify the Jeep brand, which has posted healthy sales and enjoys a strong reputation around the world. Related Video:

Best plug-in hybrid cars, SUVs and minivans for 2024

We’re fans of electric vehicles, but they have their shortcomings. TheyÂ’re not available in as wide of a range of body styles as gas-powered cars, and theyÂ’re still limited by range and charging infrastructure. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) offer a great compromise, though, allowing for all-electric driving, but also having a gas engine for when you need more power or to travel long distances. Choosing a plug-in hybrid vehicle also allows more options; for instance, you canÂ’t get an all-electric minivan in the U.S. Â… yet. But with those extra PHEV offerings, it might be difficult to know where to start shopping. WeÂ’ve narrowed it down a bit, bringing you the best plug-in hybrids for 2024, as voted on by Autoblog staff, in various segments to help you pick a great PHEV based on your budget and needs. Best luxury plug-in hybrid large/midsize SUV: Volvo XC90 Recharge Despite showing its age, the Volvo XC90 remains an excellent three-row crossover in terms of design, comfort and safety, and the XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid only improves the formula with both power and efficiency. Interestingly, with the gas motor powering the front axle and the e-motor powering the rear, the XC90 Recharge operates as a rear-wheel-drive car when only using electric power, and front-wheel-drive when only using gas. The powertrain is good for 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, with a 5-second 0-60 time. It can travel 32 miles on electricity alone. Runner-up: Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid   Best mainstream plug-in hybrid large/midsize SUV: Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Do you want an American PHEV with style, refinement and off-road capability? The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe combines all that with a turbocharged 2.0-liter and electric motor good for 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, as well as an electric range of 26 miles. That means you can enjoy your favorite trails in near silence and make fewer trips to the gas pump on the way there. Runner-up: Kia Sorento Plug In-Hybrid   Best luxury plug-in hybrid compact/subcompact SUV: Volvo XC60 Recharge Volvo borrows the formula from the XC90 and places it in a smaller package to get the XC60 Recharge. It has the same 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, but it drops the 0-60 time to 4.5 seconds while offering 35 miles of electric range. You can even pony up for the Polestar Engineered trim to get the Ohlins suspension, Brembo brakes, 21-inch forged wheels and unique styling.

Going high-tech, the 4x4 way

Is It An Off-Road Adventure Or Just A Walk In The Park?
I remember having to get out and lock hubs and shift into neutral to engage low range.
Coming off press previews of the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover and the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee that involved some heavy-duty off-road rock climbing, I'm simply amazed at the capabilities that these vehicles possess. But even more impressive (or troubling depending on your perspective) is the relative ease with which you can operate these vehicles in seemingly impossible terrain.