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Gilles defends 2014 Jeep Cherokee design as "very contemporary"

Following the forced-hand introduction of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, there has definitely been a mix of responses revolving around everything from its design to the return of the legendary nameplate. As evidence of this, just check out the 1,000+ comments in our article last week and some of the many opinions that were voiced. Following this not-too-warm reception, Ward's Auto had a chance to talk to Chrysler designer chief - and SRT president - Ralph Gilles, who shed a little more light on the styling direction of the new Cherokee.
Rather than looking to previous models for inspiration, Gilles says that the Cherokee has been designed to be more contemporary, with Mark Allen, head of Jeep design, adding that a main goal was to make sure the design still looks modern five years from now. Interestingly, Gilles does point out that one of the design elements incorporated on the new Cherokee that pays homage to past Jeeps is the sharply downward angle for the leading edge of the beltline, which he notes is meant to mimic the look of the old YJ and TJ Wrangler models fitted with half doors. Of course, the squared-off wheel openings - a signature Jeep cue - are still used.
This is probably a design that will need to be seen on the street in actual daylight to properly assess, but in the meantime, we'll bring you full images and impressions when the Cherokee debuts at next month's New York Auto Show.

New Jeep Wrangler pickup spy shots reveal suspension and tire details

Most of the spy shots we've received of the Wrangler pickup have been from a bird's-eye perspective. However this time, one of our spy photographers got up close to the truck at ground level. The new view shows us some interesting details regarding the truck's suspension, as well as the placement of the spare tire. Immediately evident is that the Wrangler pickup will have the same sort of suspension design as its SUV sibling. Solid axles are employed at the front and rear, and it appears that the rear axle is coil-sprung, since there are no leaf springs nor shackles present underneath. The photos also reveal that the truck won't have a tailgate-mounted spare tire like the SUV. Instead, it will have a more traditional truck location beneath the bed. Few other new details can be seen from the spy photos. This prototype sports the same production-style bed we've previously seen. The photos also really show just how long this Wrangler pickup is. With such a long wheelbase and rear overhang, the pickup will have more difficulty with hills than the bed-less versions. Of course, it will also be able to carry more than those Wranglers. We expect it go on sale in late 2019 based on previous reports. Related Video:

Next Jeep Wrangler to keep solid axles

Jeep fans, you're not out of the woods yet, but the latest news is good: Automotive News reports that the next-generation Wrangler will stick with floating solid axles front and rear. Fiat-Chrysler wouldn't comment on the report, but the theory is that the combination of cost, capability, and ease of modification were deciding factors. We're sure the multibillion dollar aftermarket industry is also pleased. Remember, Jeep showed off the lifted Cherokee Dakar Concept at the Easter Jeep Safari last year, but the first ingredient in the recipe for jacking up its independent suspension was, "a whole new suspension." Above that there will be an aluminum body that's smaller than the current one, which Allpar says could be done with a narrower track and tighter gaps. It will sport a fixed windshield with increased rake to improve aero efficiency, and while there are rumors of a diesel-engined version that we'll finally get in the US, there's been no reliable info as of yet to back that up. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News - sub. req. Jeep Truck Off-Road Vehicles