2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Jeep Wrangler 'Scrambler' truck spied again, our best look yet

The upcoming Jeep Wrangler pickup truck has been a closely-guarded vehicle for a while, and as a result, quite a few photos have been from quite a distance and sometimes a tad blurry. These new shots are exciting because they're taken much closer and are very clear. Unfortunately, FCA is still being very careful with camouflage, and as a result, there isn't much to see here. We can definitely tell that from the C-pillar forward, the truck is practically identical to the 2018 Wrangler Unlimited, down to the rear doors that are angled to clear the Unlimited's rear wheels. That's not necessary here, so there's a large section of sheetmetal between the door crease and the fenders. We're curious how Chrysler will address that to keep it from looking awkward. We also get another look at the rear suspension. As we previously reported, the rear suspension seems to share more in common with the Ram 1500 than the Wrangler SUV. The shock placement and low anti-roll bar are among the details that are very Ram-esque. Like both the Ram and the Wrangler, the Scrambler will use coil springs at all four corners, and as with the Wrangler, the front axle is solid, too. Other details we expect for the Wrangler Scrambler pickup are the gas-powered V6 and turbo inline-four engines mated to either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. It will probably get the EcoDiesel V6, eventually, too. The truck will also probably have a convertible top based both on rumors and spy photos of an older prototype. We expect the Wrangler pickup will be revealed early next year in time for delivery later that year. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Are we about to see a real SUV revival?

Now that the marketplace has been oversaturated with cute-utes, crossovers, and CUV coupes, are we about to see a resurgence of real, honest-to-God SUVs? Ummm... maybe. The stars seem to be aligning in that direction, at least that's the sense I'm getting. We know an all-new Jeep Wrangler is only a few auto shows away; and that Jeep is about to introduce a new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk for 2017, in the same rugged spirit of the successful Cherokee and Renegade Trailhawks. Ford has hinted at a neo-Bronco, after showing the concept above in 2014 to wet the mouths of all those Duck Dynasty-types out there. And, and... wait for it... I recently learned that Subaru sent a questionnaire out to some Forester owners asking if they might be interested in an off-road package if it were offered. The items listed were pretty hardcore, serious stuff, such as: integrated tow/recovery hooks, additional ground clearance, more rugged wheels, skid plates, altimeter, front-view off-road camera, improved approach and departure angles, advanced differentials, Inclinometer, full-size spare tire, upgraded off-road suspension components, more aggressive tires, off-road driving mode (engine, transmission, throttle, and steering settings), more rugged styling, low-range gearing, and a more advanced traction management system. Folks that's not my wish list (well, actually it is), but those are words from Subaru, asking if that's what customers would like to see. Need proof? Go to the SubaruForester.org website. It's in a discussion there. So... no promises or guarantees here, and feel free to call me a rumormonger if you like; but the next few years could prove very interesting for those who actually do go off road. If this pans out, remember, you read it here first. Related Video: Image Credit: Ford Ford Jeep Subaru Crossover SUV Off-Road Vehicles open road

FCA denies report it's pulling Chrysler brand from Japan

TOKYO - Fiat Chrysler Automobiles denied it had decided to pull the plug on the Chrysler brand in Japan, after local media reported it was planning to stop selling the US cars in the country as early as next year following years of poor sales. "Although FCA Japan has already announced its intention to concentrate its resources on the Jeep brand ahead, no decisions have been made regarding (the) Chrysler brand," the automaker said ion Monday. The Nikkei business daily reported that the European-US automaker, which also sells the Jeep, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Abarth brands in Japan, was close to deciding to throw in the towel on the Chrysler brand, which posted sales of less than 300 vehicles in 2016, having fallen steadily since around 2000 and are about a tenth of what they were a decade ago. FCA sells only one Chrysler model in Japan, the full-size 300s sedan, which is sold at the company's Jeep dealerships. FCA's Fiat brand, which includes smaller models, and its Jeep brand have been growing in the country. Last year they sold around 6,700 and 9,400 units, respectively, making them top 10-selling foreign branded vehicles in the Japanese market. However, foreign cars constitute a small portion of the total Japanese auto market, which is dominated by domestic brands. Last year, 295,000 foreign-branded new cars were sold in the country, roughly one-tenth of total new vehicle sales. Reporting by Naomi TajitsuRelated Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2017 Chrysler 300S Sport Appearance Package: New York 2016 View 12 Photos Auto News Chrysler Fiat Jeep Sedan FCA