2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Sport Utility 4-door 4.7l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Next Jeep Wrangler spotted with 8-speed and EcoDiesel

Although it may not look like it, there are big changes coming to the next-generation Wrangler. The 2018 model will use aluminum for weight savings, spawn a pickup version, and offer new engines. This latest set of spy images brings confirmation of two new powertrain items. The spy photos below show a Wrangler mule with the current interior and an eight-speed automatic shifter fitted in place of the old five-speed unit. (There's a comparison photo in the gallery.) The shifter design matches that of the refreshed Dodge Charger and Challenger; the final Jeep version is likely to differ, but this clearly indicates what kind of transmission is underneath. Chrysler builds eight-speed automatics from a ZF design and also uses some transmissions built by ZF. View 4 Photos While it's not visible in the photos, the unmistakable sound of a diesel was heard coming from this Jeep. The EcoDiesel V6 is expected to be available alongside a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is rumored to have the code name "Hurricane." The turbo four may completely replace the current gas V6 or be offered in addition. There's a good chance the eight-speed will also be paired with the Hurricane engine, since improved fuel economy is a goal for the new model across the board. We don't yet know whether a manual transmission will be offered again, but it's a pretty good bet for one of the gas engines since many diehard off-roaders prefer the ultimate control. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Detailed Spy Photos View 18 Photos Spy Photos Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles jeep wrangler unlimited

2013 AEV Brute Double Cab

These are the guys who bring an M777 howitzer to a knife fight. In terms of overall rugged utility, the all-new 2013 Brute Double Cab from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) is about as overkill as they come, and we can't seem to get enough of the beasts that this company produces. Unlike most aftermarket firms, always striving to lower cost and increase volume (but at the expense of quality), Michigan-based AEV takes pride in its OEM-quality design, engineering, manufacturing and testing. Everything is as good, or better, than the stuff from the factory, and they have been doing it this way for more than 15 years.
Launched at the recent 2012 SEMA show was the 2013 AEV Brute Double Cab. Its debut marked the company's expansion to a four-door Brute on the newer JK platform (drawing inspiration from the Land Rover Defender 130). I recently spent a few hours with the new truck in sunny Southern California, though unfortunately, due to time constraints, I was limited to pavement-only driving impressions.
Driving Notes

Fiat Chrysler CEO says final merger talks with Peugeot going well

BRUSSELS — Fiat Chrysler's chief executive Michael Manley said on Wednesday that merger talks with Peugeot owner PSA  to create the world's No. 4 carmaker are progressing well and he hopes to have a deal within 12-14 months. Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of an industry meeting, he said he doesn't expect any major obstacles that could delay a final agreement. "Talks are progressing really well," Manley said about negotiations with the French carmaker ahead of a briefing by the European automotive association (ACEA), of which he is president. His comments come a month after the two carmakers agreed to a binding deal worth about $50 billion to combine forces in response to a slowdown in global demand and mounting costs of making cleaner vehicles amid tighter emissions regulations. Manley's timeline for completing the deal by early 2021 is in line with a forecast made by the companies in December. Fiat and Peugeot are now getting into the details of how the merger will work, including choosing which vehicle platforms — the technological underpinnings of a vehicle — will fit which products in a combined company. Because customers in different locations still prefer vastly different cars, there is room for multiple platforms in a combined group, Manley said. "That global platform is an elusive beast," he added. "This concept of a massive global platform in my mind is almost a myth, but that doesnÂ’t mean to say weÂ’re not going to recruit significant volume." Related Video: