2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude on 2040-cars

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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

FCA recalls 570,000 SUVs from Jeep and Dodge over fire woes

Fiat Chrysler US has issued two recalls covering a total of about 570,000 Jeep and Dodge models. The first concerns vanity mirror wiring in the Jeep Grand Cherokee from the 2011 and 2012 model years, and in Dodge Durango units built before September 12, 2012. The automaker recalled almost 900,000 units last year to repair the issue, then faced more issues this year when the fires continued in repaired vehicles. This new recall seeks to resolve the issue, FCA saying that the post-recall fires happened in a tiny percentage of vehicles equipped with a specific wiring package. This recall is for 352,831 total units in the US, another 26,478 in Canada, 13,037 in Mexico, and 84,330 internationally. No injuries or deaths have been reported. FCA says it will inform customers as to when they can schedule a service visit to remedy the issue. The second recall takes aim at 60,107 examples of the Jeep Compass and Patriot from the 2015 model year in the US, plus 5,755 in Canada, 3,351 in Mexico, and 23,995 in other markets. Those models could suffer from an out-of-position clamp on the power steering fluid line. The error could allow fluid to leak, increasing the risk of a fire if the fluid ends up on a hot surface. In the case of a complete loss of fluid, drivers will need to use a lot more effort to steer. The automaker reports no injuries or accidents, and will advise customers when to head to the dealer for service. Related Video: Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge DurangoStatement: Vanity-Mirror WiringDecember 24, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is recalling an estimated 352,831 SUVs in the U.S. to help ensure vanity-mirror wiring may be serviced more consistently.Overheating conditions were reported among a small percentage of vehicles (<0.02%) serviced in connection with a related recall, conducted previously.** An FCA US LLC investigation discovered the service procedure, if not followed precisely, may leave vehicles susceptible to a short-circuit, creating a potential fire hazard.The Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. Post-service overheating conditions were observed only in vehicles equipped with a certain wiring package. These vehicles were produced before Sept. 2, 2012.Affected are model-year 2011-2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango SUVs produced before Sept. 2, 2012. Wiring in the headliners of these vehicles will be secured with a new adhesive.

2014 Jeep Compass/Patriot sing their swan songs with a six-speed automatic

Unless the governor, Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, gives them a reprieve, the 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot are expected to meet their makers sometime next year. Should they perish, it's a shame that it would happen just as they've shed the continuously variable transmission that was their major bugbear, and just as the Compass has gotten its best looks yet.
Both will roll with a proper six-speed automatic transmission, courtesy of PowerTech. Noise-resistant gears and tuning by Chrysler boffins should alleviate the unappealing sounds that were given off by the older CVT. Unless, that is, you choose to have either model equipped with Freedom Drive II; the serious off-road package, available on both baby Jeeps, will still come with the CVT. The base transmission on the entry-level Sport trim remains the five-speed manual.
Otherwise, it's minor changes for the Compass, set off by the new 18-inch wheel option, trim pieces around the car and a back-up camera. The Patriot gets seat-mounted airbags, but is carryover otherwise. With their expected demises perhaps a year away, not much has changed otherwise. Engine choices comprise the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 158 horsepower and 141 pound-feet of torque or the 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 172 hp and 165 lb-ft.