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FCA and ZF issue recall on nine-speed automatic transmission

After years of complaints, German transmission manufacturer ZF is finally issuing a recall of its much maligned 9HP nine-speed automatic transmission. Although it has been criticized for a number of issues, ZF is issuing the recall to address the possibility of the transmission unexpectedly shifting into neutral. The issue covers 505,000 vehicles in the United States alone. This issue is related to an improper crimp on the transmission wiring harness. Rather than a physical fix, ZF is issuing a software update to remedy the problem. The company doesn't recommend dealers attempt to fix the crimp. Although the transmission can be found in a number of models by various manufacturers, currently only those from FCA are being recalled. This is the second recall in less than a year related to a ZF transmission shifting into neutral. FCA recently recalled more than a million vehicles worldwide because of a poorly designed shifter for ZF's 8HP eight-speed automatic. That issue may have resulted in the death of actor Anton Yelchin in June. Although there are no deaths related to this new recall, NHTSA reports that the issue has resulted in at least 10 injuries. Issues with the transmission have been known for years. A number of software updates have attempted to address various problems, making us wonder if there could be a fundamental hardware issue as the complaints span across a number of automakers. Vehicles equipped with the 9HP include 2014 and newer versions of the V6 Acura TLX, Chrysler 200, Fiat 500X, upper-level Honda Pilots, Jeep Cherokee and Renegade, Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, and Ram ProMaster City. Only FCA is issuing a recall and only on 2014 and 2015 models. Related Video: News Source: NHTSA Recalls Chrysler Fiat Jeep Safety FCA nine-speed transmission

2018 Jeep Wrangler spy shots give us best look yet

A couple weeks ago, we got a fairly comprehensive set of 2018 Jeep Wrangler spy shots. For fans of the JK-series Jeeps, it was all good news: the basic Wrangler Unlimited formula and shape is present and accounted for, meaning this new Wrangler will be an evolution of the current SUV, rather than a ground-up reimagining. The new shots give us some more detail than we had previously, and let us point out some JL Wrangler features that reaffirm FCA's conservative approach. First of all, the heavy camouflage doesn't manage to fully cover the exposed door hinges, just like in the current model, so those are a safe bet for the production version. The raked-back windshield might lose its ability to fold down, we've heard. The JL remains a body-on-frame truck with a solid front axle, evidenced by the front diff peeking out and the radius arms connected to them. The large exterior mirrors also appear to be carryover items, and the taillights look indistinguishable from the current JK. We expect the front fascia to remain clearly recognizable as a Wrangler, but don't be surprised if the headlight and sidemarkers incorporate some LED elements as a nod to current trends. Remember, the JL will spawn a pickup version, and will slim down for better fuel economy with some aluminum elements, likely incorporated in the body. We expect the Pentastar V6 to carry over, but be joined by a diesel and a mild hybrid at some point in the future. It'll be built alongside its JK predecessor for a short time in Toledo, Ohio. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Detailed Spy Photos View 18 Photos Spy Photos Jeep SUV Future Vehicles Off-Road Vehicles wrangler

What would you drive in 1985?

Bereft of live baseball games to watch, I've turned to the good ship YouTube to watch classic games. While watching the 1985 American League Championship Series last night, several of the broadcast's commercials made its way into the original VHS recording, including those for cars. "Only 8.8% financing on a 1985 Ford Tempo!" What a deal! That got me thinking: what would I drive in 1985?  It sure wouldn't be a Tempo. Or an IROC-Z, for that matter, despite what my Photoshopped 1980s self would indicate in the picture above. I posed this question to my fellow Autobloggists. Only one could actually drive back then, I was only 2 and a few editors weren't even close to being born. Here are our choices, which were simply made with the edict of "Come on, man, be realistic."  West Coast Editor James Riswick: OK, I started this, I'll go first. I like coupes today, so I'm pretty sure I'd drive one back then. I definitely don't see myself driving some badge-engineered GM thing from 1985, and although a Honda Prelude has a certain appeal, I must admit that something European would likely be in order. A BMW maybe? No, I'm too much a contrarian for that. The answer is therefore a 1985 Saab 900 Turbo 3-Door, which is not only a coupe but a hatchback, too. If I could scrounge up enough Reagan-era bucks for the ultra-cool SPG model, that would be rad. The 900 Turbo pictured, which was for auction on Bring a Trailer a few years ago, came with plum-colored Bokhara Red, and you're damn sure I would've had me one of those. Nevermind 1985, I'd probably drive this thing today.   Associate Editor Byron Hurd: I'm going to go with the 1985.5 Ford Mustang SVO, AKA the turbocharged Fox Body that everybody remembers but nobody drives. The mid-year update to the SVO bumped the power up from 175 ponies (yeah, yeah) to 205, making it almost as powerful (on paper, anyway) as the V8-powered GT models offered in the same time frame. I chose this particular car because it's a bit of a time capsule and, simultaneously, a reminder that all things are cyclical. Here we are, 35 years later, and 2.3-liter turbocharged Mustangs are a thing again. Who would have guessed?