2006 Jeep Wrangler on 2040-cars

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2014 North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year finalists announced [w/poll]

The 2014 North American International Auto Show is right around the corner, which means it's high time we found out which cars and trucks would be finalists for the prestigious North American Car and Truck/Utility of the Year awards.
The finalists - three in cars and three in three trucks/utilities - are dominated by American brands, with two-thirds of the finalists hailing from either General Motors or Chrysler (don't worry Ford, there's always next year), while outliers from Mazda and Acura can be found in each contest. Here now is the list of finalists for the big prizes:
2014 North American Car of the Year:

164K Jeep Cherokees recalled to protect liftgate from moisture

FCA is recalling 164,003 examples of the 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee because moisture can damage the power liftgate controls on models that are equipped with that feature. Regionally, this includes 99,436 of them in the US, 13,195 in Canada, 2,406 in Mexico, and 48,966 outside of NAFTA. The problem came to light after the automaker started investigating a fire in one of the SUVs. There were no injuries, though. According to FCA US' research, the power hatch's control module potentially can be exposed to water. This can cause a short circuit and possibly a fire, as in this case. Until the issue is repaired, the company is advising owners to keep the cargo area dry on Cherokees equipped with this feature. To fix things, dealers will install a shield around the controls to protect them from moisture and will replace any modules showing exposure to water. Statement: Water-Shield Installation June 24, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 99,436 SUVs in the U.S. to install shields that protect their power liftgate control modules, and related components, from moisture. FCA US LLC began an investigation after learning of a reported vehicle fire. The probe revealed power liftgate control modules in certain SUVs may be inadvertently exposed to water. This may cause a short-circuit, creating a fire hazard. However, the Company is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The campaign affects model year 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokee SUVs, but is limited to vehicles equipped with power liftgates. An estimated 13,195 customers are affected in Canada, along with an estimated 2,406 customers in Mexico and 48,966 outside the NAFTA region. The estimated total recall population is 164,003. All affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service. If the modules show signs of water exposure, they will be replaced. All recall-related work will be performed free of charge. In the interim, the cargo areas of 2014-15 Cherokees equipped with power liftgates should be monitored and kept dry. Customers with questions may call the FCA US Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.

2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup revealed: class-leading towing, diesel option, much more

Even though we've all pretty much seen the Jeep Gladiator, it's still exciting to finally see the officially unveiled pickup truck. And it does indeed look like a simple Wrangler pickup. It has fully removable soft and hard tops, doors and a folding windshield. The doors are the same as the Wrangler Unlimited's. It has round headlights, chunky fender flares and nearly the same interior. But it's more than that, blending much of the beloved SUV with some unique features for the pickup truck. For starters, the Gladiator features a new frame not shared with Wrangler that's a whopping 31 inches longer than the one under the Wrangler Unlimited. The wheelbase of the Gladiator is also 19.4 inches longer than a Wrangler Unlimited. The Gladiator continues to use solid front and rear axles, both of which are Dana 44s in two available track widths, but the rear five-link coil suspension is a unique design developed for better ride quality. Propelling this chassis initially will be the 3.6-liter gasoline V6 from the Wrangler with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. It makes 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. In 2020, Jeep will start offering a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 that is a thoroughly redesigned version of the engine found in the outgoing Ram EcoDiesel. It's down in power compared to the gas engine at 260 horses, but it more than makes up for it with 442 pound-feet of torque. The only other diesel in this small to midsize truck segment is the Colorado and Canyon diesel trucks. Their diesel four-cylinder engines only make 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. All Gladiators with either engine send their power through a selectable part-time four-wheel drive system. Fuel economy for either engine option has yet to be announced. On the subject of capability, the Gladiator has some impressive towing and payload numbers. Maximum towing capacity is 7,650 pounds. That's 150 pounds more than the next best gas-powered truck in this segment, the Ford Ranger. Maximum payload capacity is 1,600 pounds, which isn't the highest in the segment, but falls right in the range of the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado gas models. The bed is 5 feet long and is made of steel with an aluminum tailgate. It has various tie-down points and power outlets. Regarding the towing and payload numbers, it should be noted that the top towing capacity is only available on a Sport trim with the 3.6-liter V6, eight-speed automatic and 4.10 final drive ratio.