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Jeep Wrangler plug-in hybrid confirmed for 2020

The Jeep Wrangler will get a plug-in hybrid electric model in 2020, brand head Mike Manley confirmed this week at the Los Angeles Auto Show in a move he says is "future proofing" the legendary off-roader. "A full plug-in electric Jeep Wrangler will be available in 2020, furthering our commitment to all those who value the responsible, sustainable enjoyment of the great outdoors and very importantly, future proofing this Wrangler for generations to come," he said after the reveal of the 2018 model. It was reminiscent of a Steve Jobs 'One More Thing' moment from an Apple event. Manley explained the details of the new Wrangler, codenamed JL, and then dropped the EV nugget near the end of the press conference in Los Angeles. He didn't offer up further details like range or power. The plug-in hybrid will join a now-expansive powertrain lineup for new generation of the Wrangler. Jeep will offer a mild hybrid next year with its 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. Called eTorque, the hybrid adds regeneration, stop-start and electric power assist. This system makes 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. In 2019, the Wrangler will get a 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel engine rated at 260 hp and 442 lb-ft. The tried-and-true Pentastar V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft also continues. In an exclusive interview with Autoblog in January, Manley previewed the Wrangler's electric plans at the Detroit Auto Show. "The hybridization could actually help Wrangler," he said, noting it could improve torque distribution, a critical element for four-wheel drive vehicles." He added, "Electrification, absolutely. I could see Wrangler being a form of electric." The 2018 Wrangler goes on sale in January featuring a raft of improvements. It is about 200 pounds lighter thanks to the use of aluminum. There are also new engines, updated styling features and a nicer interior. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon View 80 Photos Green LA Auto Show Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles confirmed 2017 LA Auto Show

The Jeep Wrangler is finally getting modern headlights for 2017

Some of Jeep's headlights leave a lot to be desired – namely light output. In particular, the halogen lamps on the Wrangler and Cherokee have been called out by the IIHS as among the worst on the market. Things should improve for 2017, as Jeep is addressing the sorry illumination by adding LED or HID headlight options for the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Renegade. Thank heavens (or, you know, the IIHS for upping its lighting requirements). In the Wrangler's case, the decision to develop an LED for a single model year of the JK before its replacement arrives – or two if you count the extended run of the current model alongside the new one – might seem strange, but we aren't complaining. The current headlights are one retro cue that sorely needed eradicating, plus this almost guarantees LEDs for the next-gen model. Any 2017 Wrangler can be equipped with the new LED headlights and fog lights – the LED lighting group will be optional on the Sport and Sport S, and standard on Sahara and Rubicon. The Cherokee is a slightly different story – HID headlights are currently optional on that model's Limited and High Altitude trims and standard on the range-topping Overland. Next year, the brighter, more focused lamps will be standard on everything but the base Sport model, where they'll be optional. For the wee Renegade, meanwhile, HIDs are a "late availability" option as part of the safety and security group on Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trim levels. If you want a 2017 Renegade Sport with the better lights, though, you're out of luck. Jeep hasn't announced pricing for its 2017 offerings, so we don't know what sort of premium the LED and HID headlamps will add. We just know that whatever the price, it will be worth it. And you can bet each unit will have some sort of Easter egg Jeep design detail on it. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited View 14 Photos Related Gallery 2017 Jeep Cherokee View 54 Photos Related Gallery 2017 Jeep Renegade View 49 Photos News Source: JeepImage Credit: Jeep Jeep Crossover SUV Off-Road Vehicles headlights jeep renegade

North Carolina driver charged for flattening Trump sign

Police in Wilmington, NC are investigating a viral video that shows a local man driving off the road to run over a Trump for President campaign sign. Julien Schuessler of Wilmington posted a video to Facebook on March 15 showing him driving his white Jeep off the road in a reckless manner to smash a Trump sign. He captioned the video, "I love having a Jeep sometimes." The video immediately went viral, reaching nearly a million views and 25,000 shares in less than twenty-four hours. Any elation Schuessler may have felt at having his video go viral was short lived, though. According to WWAY, Wilmington Police were tipped off to the existence of the video on the afternoon of March 16. They were, understandably, less than pleased. In an official tweet, WPD stated that they were aware of the video and were investigating. A spokesperson for the WPD stated that Schuessler faces multiple charges for his little stunt, including hit and run, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane control. WWAY reached out to Schuessler for comment, but he has declined to respond. News Source: wwaytv3 Government/Legal Weird Car News Chrysler Jeep Driving Safety SUV Off-Road Vehicles Police/Emergency Trump north carolina hit and run vandalism wrangler