Jeep and Mopar to display six concepts at Easter Jeep Safari

Jeep and Mopar have collaborated once again to display six concepts at the annual Easter Jeep Safari.

In typical Mopar fashion, the North American carmaker will present the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk II, Wrangler Slim, Wrangler Mopar Recon, Wrangler Stitch, Wrangler Sand Trooper II and Wrangler Flattop. The first one is based on the 2013 Grand Cherokee, while the Wrangler Slim is based on a standard-wheelbase Wrangler and wears a pink theme with a matte black decal on its hood.

This year's event will take place in Moab, Utah, from March 23 to 31, but until then Jeep will release more images and information about the concepts.

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2014 Jeep Cherokee officially revealed

After a series of leaks, Jeep has released the official images of the 2014 Cherokee, ahead of its world premiere at the New York Auto Show in late March.

According to the North American carmaker, the all-new Cherokee sets "a new standard with even more best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics, and fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model."

Jeep didn't reveal powertrain specifications, but Allpar reported that engine options could include a 3.2-liter V6 and a 2.4-liter TigerShark four-cylinder.

The 2014 Cherokee will be built in the United States at Chrysler's Toledo assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio, and will go on sale in the third quarter of this year.

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Jeep considering a Wrangler diesel in the U.S.

According to a recent report, Jeep is likely to offer a diesel engine for the Wrangler in the United States. The move appears after the Grand Cherokee diesel introduced at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.

Jeep CEO Mike Manley told the Detroit Free Press "Wrangler customers really want a diesel. It's a target vehicle for a diesel once we see the reaction to the Grand Cherokee."

Additional information is limited, but the Wrangler could get a modified variant of the European 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 197 hp and 460 Nm of torque.

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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee to cost $28,795

The official price for the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee unveiled at this year's Detroit Auto Show leaked through Jeepgarage.org - an enthusiast forum. Accordingly, the base Laredo 4X2 will have a starting price of $28,795, while the top of the line SRT 4×4 costs $62,995.

As previously reported, the SRT8 version will feature a more aggressive exterior design and be powered by a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that produces 470 hp and 630 Nm of torque, mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee will go on sale across the United States in a few weeks. Complete pricing before options are available after the jump.

• Laredo 4X2 - $28,795
• Laredo E 4X2 - $30,495
• Limited 4X2 - $35,795
• Overland 4X2 - $42,995
• Summit 4X2 - $47,995
• Laredo 4X4 - $30,795
• Laredo E 4X4 - $32,495
• Limited 4X4 - $37,795
• Overland 4X4 - $45,995
• Summit 4X4 - $50,995
• SRT 4X4 - $62,995

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2013 Detroit: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been officially unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show today.

Set to go on sale across the United States in a few weeks, the facelifted Grand Cherokee now sports an updated bumper, a revised seven-slot grille and Chrysler 300-inspired headlights. There's also a new rear spoiler, new LED taillights and modified tail gate and bumper.

Inside the cabin, the center stack was redesigned with new HVAC controls, while the infotainment systems available with 5- or 8.4-inch touchscreens. Other changes include a new three-spoke steering wheel, transmission lever and a new instrument cluster with a 7-inch color TFT vehicle information screen.

Under the hood, the 2014 Grand Cherokee still features a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine which allows the car to return an estimated 7.8-liter per 100 km (30 mpg or 36 mpg UK) on the highway. A new 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is available as standard.

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Fiat 500X & entry-level Jeep to be built in Italy

Fiat has recently announced plans to build two new models at their Melfi assembly plant in Italy in 2014.

This plant will be invested more than €1 billion to start assembling an entry-level Jeep and the Fiat 500X. Both models will be based on the company's new modular Small Wide platform and be available with all-wheel drive.

"The first of the two new models will be a Jeep utility vehicle that represents the brand’s entrance into a new market segment," Fiat said in a statement. "Melfi will be the only plant in the world to produce this model and, as for all Jeep products, it will be sold in markets worldwide."

The Fiat 500X will follow shortly thereafter, while the Italian carmaker also hinted that once the plant upgrades are complete, Melfi can build up to four different models on the same assembly line, with 1,600 vehicles per day.

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Jeep coming to India in 2013

In a press conference yesterday, Fiat has announced that the Jeep brand will be launched in India in 2013.

At launch, the Jeep vehicles will be distributed through network of 32 dealers in 25 cities. The first models, which will be launched in the third quarter of 2013, will be the classic Wrangler and the legendary Grand Cherokee.

 "Our vision for India will revolve around a three-pronged strategy. First, introduction of new vehicles that will soon include the legendary Jeep brand. Second, the expansion of our independent dealer network and, finally, strong marketing initiatives that will continue to improve our awareness and brand perception in the market", said Mike Manley, Fiat-Chrysler Asia Pacific COO and Jeep brand boss.

"Initial interest from the investors has proved to be strong. Therefore, we will be able to establish 120 independent dealers by 2013," said Enrico Atanasio, Managing Director of Fiat Group Automobiles India Private Limited. "We are optimistic about our prospect for growth in the Indian car market, which grew 12 percent in 2011 and is rapidly becoming one of the major markets in the world. With the launch of the Jeep brand, new Fiat products, an expanding dealer network and upcoming marketing initiatives, we will be in a strong position to capitalize on this growth".

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2013 Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition honors veterans

Jeep has just unveiled a special edition of the 2013 Patriot to honor the men and women in the U.S. military.

Called the Freedom Edition, the crossover is offered in red, white or blue with bespoke features. It is distinguished by a military-inspired star on the hood and rear quarter panel, "Oscar Mike" badge on the lower front door and 17-inch Mineral Gray painted aluminum wheels.

Interior changes are limited, but include the Patriot Latitude’s standard features, plus a few extras like a sunroof, unique trim and a star logo on the front seats.

According to Jeep CEO Mike Manley, "We have created the 2013 Jeep Patriot Freedom Edition as a tribute to the brave men and women that have served, while acknowledging the Jeep brand’s renowned military history."

The Patriot Freedom Edition is currently on sale and U.S. pricing starts at $21,445. The North American carmaker says that the Freedom Edition "honors military members past and present," so the automaker will donate $250 for every special edition sold to military charities.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee & Liberty recalled for airbag issue

Chrysler is recalling 744,822 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles in the U.S. for a fault with the airbag system that can cause the airbags to deploy unexpectedly while driving.

The recall affects Grand Cherokees from the 2002 through 2004 model years and Libertys from model years 2002 and 2003, according to documents posted Friday on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

A failure of that module could cause the front airbags, side curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the SUVs are being operated, greatly increasing the risk of of a collision.

An agency investigation started last year found that the air bags went off 215 times, causing 81 minor injuries. However, the North American carmaker says that no accidents have been causes as a result of this issue.

Owners will be contacted by Chrysler in January 2013. Dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge to the consumer.

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Jeep announces three new special editions for Paris

Jeep has recently announced plans to introduce three new special editions at the Paris Motor Show.

First up, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 Limited Edition features a Bright white exterior with gloss black accents and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin has Nappa leather / suede sport seats, a leather-wrapped perforated heated steering wheel with mounted paddle shifters, carbon fiber trim and stainless steel pedals.

Under the bonnet, power comes from a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine with 462 hp and 624 Nm of torque. It is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission which allows the crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in five seconds and hit a top speed of 257 km/h.

Next, the Compass Overland comes nicely equipped with bespoke 18-inch polished alloy wheels, chromed inserts on the front grille, leather seats, a Boston Acoustics audio system, a UConnect infotainment system and navigation system with 6.5-inch touchscreen and 40-gigabyte hard disk.

Motivation is provided by a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine with 163 hp and 320 Nm of torque. It is linked with a Freedom Drive I four-wheel-drive system which promises to give drivers the "ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions". There's also a low-output version of the same unit with 134 hp and 2WD.

Lastly, the Wrangler Moab, which has recently been announced for North America, features a power-dome dome hood, body-color hardtop with deep-tint sunscreen glass, leather seats and 17-inch alloy wheels.

It will go on sale in Europe in 2013, in both two-door and four-door versions powered by a 2.8-liter turbo diesel or a 3.6-liter V6 petrol engine.

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