2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Top horsepower-per-dollar cars in 2017

Bang for the buck. That quasi-scientific statistic is bandied about by motor heads everywhere from classrooms to barrooms, though the truth of the matter is that it's exceedingly complex to measure. A fair performance-per-dollar index would include something like cross-referencing MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) with point-to-point times on a track or driving route, which is obviously hard to do comprehensively. But, for the sheer joy of talking about cars and playing with a big spreadsheet, there's always the horsepower-per-dollar index, which is more straightforward, albeit hilariously flawed. There are vagaries even with this simple formula, of course: MSRP for vehicles can change at a moment's notice, to say nothing of the bottom-line shifting that happens with local deals or showroom negotiation. For this list we're running with the straight MSRP wherever possible, and as recently reported as we can get it. All the vehicles on this list are 2017 models, and all trims are reported where the lowest price and differing power levels intersect. Some choices were made for personal preference and some for sanity, avoiding things like all 48 trim levels of the Ford Transit, all with the same horsepower). If this list were a simple top ten, or even a top fifty, you'd be bored to tears with all the red, white and blue that is represented. Following perfectly with conventional wisdom, American cars really do lead the world where hp/$ is concerned. So, for the sake of variety (and the sheer joy of seeing a minivan 'win' one round of this thing) I've sorted out some top five and bottom five lists for broad power categories. Let's dive in. Less Than 100 Horsepower Okay, okay, this is hardly a category we'll grant you. But we've often tried to click off all the sub-100-hp cars on sale in the US, and making this list gave us an excuse. It also illustrates that none of these smallish vehicles bring cheap horsepower to the table - for that you'll need a motorcycle. The segment-leading Chevy Spark (above) asks just over $139 for each hp, and that Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has hp on sale for about the same price as its very distant family cousin, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (insert your favorite Smart joke here... we know you want to).

Jeep owner inadvertently receives 2018 Wrangler hood from scrapyard

After an apparent mix-up, FCA may be looking for a new scrapyard to which to send prototype parts. JLWranglerForums.com member Redrockjk recently purchased a used Wrangler hood from a yard near the FCA proving grounds. When he ordered it, he thought it was from a 2014 model, and while it looked very similar to his current hood, after installing he discovered something unusual. It was too long. From what we can see in the photos from JLWranglerForums.com, the leading edge of the hood sticks out roughly two inches from the top of the Wrangler's grille. The greater length is also clear when the hood is placed next to its likely predecessor. The receivers for the exposed latches are also too far forward to be used on a current Wrangler. Redrockjk also said there wasn't a VIN or a part number anywhere on the hood. As if those details weren't a big enough red flag, Redrockjk reported that the used parts supplier contacted him to ask for the hood back. We reached out to Jeep to see if they could confirm if this is a hood for the next-generation Wrangler. Unsurprisingly, the company had no comment at this time. Considering the details, and the proximity of the scrapyard to an FCA proving ground, there's a better than zero chance this is from a pre-production 2018 Wrangler sent to the yard to be scrapped. No word on whether the hood was aluminum, as has been rumored. Except for the length, the part fits pretty well on the current model. The hood vents present are also similar to those found on some current models. It's one more piece of evidence that the next Wrangler won't stray far from a proven formula. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Hood News Source: JLWranglerForums.comImage Credit: JLWranglerForums.com Spy Photos Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles forum wrangler forums

NHTSA investigating 630k Jeep Wranglers for possible airbag fault

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is opening a preliminary evaluation into a possible wiring problem on some 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler models that could affect airbag deployment. The government agency has 221 complaints alleging that the airbag warning light is illuminating, and that could indicate that the safety devices might not deploy in a crash. If a recall is necessary, an estimated 630,000 vehicles could be affected. According to the documents from NHTSA (as a PDF here), a "faulty clockspring assembly in the driver side airbag electrical circuit" could be the culprit. Also, some of the affected Wranglers are showing a fault code that indicates the safety device wouldn't deploy in an accident. However at this time, there are no reports of injuries related to this potential problem. NHTSA's preliminary evaluations are simply meant to investigate and don't necessarily lead to a recall. This isn't the first time for a potential problem like this on the Wrangler, though. A clockspring issue already led to a safety campaign for 2008-2012 right-hand drive Wranglers and an extended warranty for 2007 left-hand drive examples. Related Video: INVESTIGATION Subject : Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure Date Investigation Opened: JUN 19, 2015 Date Investigation Closed: Open NHTSA Action Number: PE15025 Component(s): AIR BAGS All Products Associated with this Investigation Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s) JEEP WRANGLER 2007-2012 JEEP WRANGLER 2-DR 4X4 2007-2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4-DR 4X2 2007-2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4-DR 4X4 2007-2009 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 2007 Details Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) SUMMARY: The subject vehicles display an airbag warning light that may indicate a failure of the clockspring wiring in the driver side air bag circuit. Several complaints cite the following diagnostic trouble code (DTC): Code B1B02 Open Squib to driver's air bag. This DTC would indicate a no-fire condition (disablement) for the driver air bag. ODI investigated the RHD (right hand drive) Wrangler for a clockspring issue under PE11-019 which led to NHTSA Recall 11V258 on model year (MY) 2008-2012 RHD Wranglers as well as an extended warranty campaign on MY 2007 LHD Wrangler vehicles. This investigation covers the MY07-12 LHD (left hand drive) Wranglers.