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This is the face of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL

These images come from a purported Jeep dealer meeting and show a poster detailing the brand's future lineup. Along with a look at the range-topping Grand Wagoneer, we can see the next-generation Wrangler, code-named JL, and its updated design front and rear. To the surprise of no one, the Wrangler will keep its seven-slot grille and round headlights. To those it adds some modern updates, like the LED light bars on the leading edge of the front fenders. (Given the 2017 LED headlight upgrade, we can bet the low- and high-beams also will use LED tech.) The taillights get an X design like those on the Renegade crossover. The overall shape seems to be a bit more tapered and smoothed, which is most evident in the shape of the sides of the windshield. We know from spy photos that the windshield has been laid back more, likely leading to improved aerodynamics and reduced fuel consumption. As a refresher, we expect the 2018 Wrangler to again come in two-door and Unlimited four-door models. It will have at least one gas engine, including a new turbocharged Hurricane four-cylinder, as well as a diesel option. Most if not all of the engines will be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a manual is likely to be retained on at least some models. A pickup version has also been confirmed. The new Wrangler is likely to be shown in early 2017, possibly at the Detroit auto show in January. Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Dealer Leak Spy Shots Image Credit: KGP Photography Design/Style Spy Photos Jeep SUV jeep wrangler jl

Chrysler recalls 2013 Ram pickups, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Chrysler's spate of successful products is about to be marred by a trio of recalls. The Pentastar is recalling 51,477 Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there have been no reported accidents, injuries or deaths related to the affected vehicles.
The largest action covers the Ram 1500, which is seeing 45,961 trucks being recalled. Models built between June 26, 2012 and February 5, 2013 are being recalled due to a potential software issue in the electronic stability control. Apparently, the system can be randomly deactivated upon vehicle startup.
Chrysler is also recalling 4,458 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee models. Covering everything but the SRT models, the potentially defective SUVs were built between January 14 and March 20, 2013. This recall focuses on "premium headlights," which means cars equipped with LED running lights. During the switch from the bright daytime running lamp setting to the low-intensity parking light setting, an electrical spike can cause one of the Jeep's computers to go into a safe mode, turning off the LEDs. This violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

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.