1990 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 4 Door Rock Crawler on 2040-cars

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Jeep Grand Cherokee redesign delayed

The launch of the next-gen Jeep Grand Cherokee is being now being pushed back until late 2018 or even into 2019, Jeep CEO Mike Manley indicated Friday, according to Automotive News citing a Reuters report. Under the original five-year plan, the SUV was supposed to be replaced in the third quarter of 2017. That would have made for a big year for Jeep with a refreshed Renegade and new Wrangler also slated for 2017. A delayed Grand Cherokee could send ripples through Jeep's product plans. The three-row Grand Wagoneer is meant to give the brand a vehicle to take on the Land Rover Range Rover, but it's supposed to use the same platform as the Grand Cherokee. This change is rumored to push that important model's launch further back. There's less uncertainty when it comes to the next-gen Wrangler. Manley said that the model was "broadly on track," according to Automotive News. The five-year plan aimed for a launch in the second quarter of 2017. Controversy, however, has swirled over possible plans to move the Wrangler from its longtime Toledo, OH, factory. One problem Jeep doesn't have to worry about right now is sales. According to Automotive News, Manley said volume was up 20 percent globally and could reach 1.2 million by the end of the year. He also indicated the brand was "on pace" to reach its 1.9-million-vehicle goal for 2018. The Grand Cherokee delay comes in the wake of rumors that FCA US is shuffling around its previous five-year vehicle launch plan to postpone several models. Related Video:

Completely uncovered 2018 Jeep Wrangler reveals evidence for folding windshield

After months of peering through heavy tarps and vinyl wraps, we finally get our very first look at a 2018 Wrangler without any camouflage at all. The photo comes from a user at JL Wrangler Forums, and it seems to show the truck rolling off the assembly line. Unfortunately, the angle isn't great, but it does give us a look at some of the detail changes to the body compared with the previous one. The most noticeable new detail is the vent that sits in a triangular scallop in the front fender. There's also a tumblehome character line running along the doors. Both of these styling features are consistent with leaked images and fan renderings also published by JL Wrangler Forums. The door handles have also changed, and appear to be more conventional pull-to-open pieces rather than the chunky pushbutton handles on the current Wrangler. It seems like the new Wrangler will still embrace open-air motoring, too. The doors retain exposed hinges that seem to be designed with easy removal in mind. Not only that, but we can see styled rubber pads on the hood. These have been featured on Wranglers all through the years to provide a cushion for when the windshield is folded down. So we would expect the windshield on the new Wrangler to be foldable, too. And, of course, this Wrangler has the traditional fabric folding top. We still expect to see the Wrangler make its official debut at the L.A. auto show, with sales beginning soon after. It will offer gasoline V6 and four-cylinder engines to start, with a diesel version coming later. The Wrangler also will likely gain new features including a hardtop with power sliding panels, and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Related Video: News Source: JL Wrangler ForumsImage Credit: JL Wrangler Forums Spy Photos Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles jeep wrangler jl

Ram and Jeep diesel emissions allegations spur class action lawsuits

This shouldn't come as a surprise. Last week, the EPA issued a notice of violation to FCA after it determined that Jeep and Ram installed eight undisclosed auxiliary emissions control devices on diesel vehicles. Since then US law firm Heninger Garrison Davis, LLC and Canadian firm Sotos LLP have launched class action suits on behalf of owners. These latest lawsuits are unrelated to a previous class action suit brought against FCA and Cummins over NOx emissions in 2007 to 2012 Ram models. The violation notice – and the subsequent lawsuits – covers 2014 to 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 models equipped with the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, a total of about 104,000 vehicles in the US. The EPA says that while the emissions control devices aren't necessarily illegal, installing them without disclosing them to the EPA is, as they produce more emissions in real world use than in testing. Skirting certification in this way might be a violation of the Clean Air Act. FCA could see fines of up to $45,000 per vehicle, depending on the outcome of the EPA investigation. FCA denies that these are cheat devices, and has proposed software updates to bring the vehicles into compliance. As for the lawsuits, Heninger Garrison Davis says that "Fiat Chrysler marketed those vehicles as environmentally friendly with enhanced fuel efficiency, better performance, and lower emissions. Although the diesel vehicles were successfully marketed as 'clean,' their environmentally-friendly representations were deceptive to consumers." The suit seeks an undisclosed amount of compensation for owners of these vehicles. In Canada, Sotos LLP is seeking $250 million in damages on behalf of owners. This suit, filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, also claims deception on the part of FCA, "resulting in losses and damage" to owners. These are similar claims to group actions against Volkswagen with regard to its diesel emissions cheating scandal. While VW is fixing or buying back many of the affected vehicles, the company is defending itself against some suits on behalf of owners, saying it expects " no decline in the residual values of the affected vehicles as a result of this issue." Don't be surprised if FCA mounts a similar defense.