2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 Manual Transmission Draped In The American Flag on 2040-cars

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Chrysler Recalls 350K Vehicles To Fix Ignition Switches

Chrysler is recalling nearly 350,000 cars and SUVs to fix ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut off the engines. The recall covers 2008 Jeep Commander and Grand Cherokee SUVs, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans, and Dodge Magnum wagons. All were built before May 12, 2008. Chrysler says the ignitions may not fully return to the "on" position after being started. The switches could move to "accessory" or "off." That could shut off the engine and knock out power-assisted steering and other features. Chrysler knows of one crash and no injuries from the problem. It's telling people to use the key alone in the ignition and confirm that switches have returned to "on" after starting their cars. Chrysler is investigating the cause. Customers will be notified when repairs are ready. Related Gallery The Trucks And SUVs Consumers Are Liking Most View 11 Photos

2018 Jeep Wrangler to get full-time four-wheel-drive option

It appears the next-generation Wrangler will take another small step to modernization and civility. JL Wrangler Forums reports that the new Wrangler is showing up on dealer computers along with a variety of options. One of them is the inclusion of a full-time four-wheel-drive system called Selec-Trac. This means that it will be possible to simply leave the Wrangler in four-wheel drive all the time, without worrying about damaging it when pavement is dry, much like the all-wheel-drive systems on most modern crossovers. This might concern Wrangler purists, but there are a couple of reasons not to fret. For one, although Jeep doesn't have a Selec-Trac system on the market to compare to right now, the old Selec-Trac system offered on the Jeep Liberty had a low-range for off-roading, so this one probably will, too. For another, only one kind of Wrangler will offer this feature, according to JL Wrangler Forums. The Selec-Trac system will only be available on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, the version that's arguably the most luxurious, and the body-style with the longest wheelbase. All the others will only have the classic selectable four-wheel drive. There is another interesting feature noted in the JL Wrangler Forums collection of information. Apparently the four-cylinder engine will have a combination starter and generator driven by a belt. This is interesting, because the only other car we've seen with such a component is the new Audi A8. In that application, the belt-driven starter and generator is used for smoother, faster starting and stopping to save fuel. We would guess the Jeep's system works in a similar way, though likely without the support of a 48-volt electrical system. We will likely know more when the new Wrangler makes its debut, which is expected at the L.A. auto show this year. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Spy Shots Related Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Hood Spy Shots News Source: JL Wrangler ForumsImage Credit: KGP Photography Jeep SUV

GMC boss wants a Jeep Wrangler rival

Challengers come and challengers go, but the Jeep Wrangler continues to push forward even after vehicles like the Toyota FJ Cruiser and the entire Hummer brand have been shut down. Now GMC reportedly wants to take a stab at the quintessential Jeep, as well.
The news comes directly from Buick-GMC vice president Duncan Aldred, speaking with our compatriots over at Edmunds. Although Aldred said there are no plans currently on the table to expand GMC's lineup beyond the current range, "there is plenty of room everywhere in the hierarchy."
That could include a rival to the Wrangler, as well as a flagship luxury SUV positioned above the current Yukon Denali (pictured above). Just when (or for that matter, if) such models might come into fruition remains a big question mark, but it's certainly interesting to see what GM's dedicated truck brand has on the drawing board.