2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD: Engine Start/Stop Technology and 197hp!

European version of Chrysler's iconic Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door compact off-roader will soon be available with a powerful, yet fuel efficient 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine.

Unlike the current inline-four oil-burner that produces healthy 177 horsepower and 460 @ 2000 rpm of torque while consuming around 12 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km in a combined cycle, the 2001 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2.8 CRD will offer 20 more horsepower but will at the same time offer up to 13 percent better mileage.

If equipped with the W5A580 five-speed automatic gear box, the engine will produce the same 460 Nm of torque available in the range of 1600-2600 rpm.

In times when six-speed transmissions are practically standard, while the seven- and even eight-speed gearboxes are nothing new, the five-speed box seems quite archaic. As a matter of fact, it IS archaic, since the W5A580 is a version of the Mercedes-Benz's 5-Gtronic electronically controlled (shift by wire) automatic gearbox that was first presented around 15 years ago.

However, the box is known for its reliability (you can't say the same about the new 7-Gtronic transmissions, can you?) and the "580" in its name stands for the maximum input torque value in Newton-meters meaning that there is a great reserve of durability and, err, upgradeability in case you would want to install a new ECU unit into your Wrangler. Also, retuned versions of the box still work in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221, Maybach 57, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Challenger and so on, and so forth.

Those buying the legendary off-roader with six-speed manual transmission will have to live with "only" 410 Nm @ 2000-3200 rpm, but, considering the vehicle's weight, even that is more than adequate in most cases.

In order to achieve better fuel economy, the American engineers have equipped the manual-transmission version of the 4x4 with the notorious Stop/Start technology. The thing shuts the engine down when the driver halts the vehicle, put the gear lever in Neutral and releases the clutch pedal.

In its press release Chrysler doesn't go into particulars, but the Start/Stop functionality probably comes from the European Bosch via its Italian partner Fiat S.p.A. In order to increase the system's life expectancy, Bosch equips it with a much more durable starter designed to withstand significantly greater number of starts. Actual users say that in most cases the Start/Stop system provides absolutely seamless "stop and go" operation.

The same 2.2-liter CRD engine is also available for the normal Jeep Wrangler and the new Jeep Cherokee.

See also: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with more premium features

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2015 Porsche Cajun / Roxster will rival the Range Rover Evoque?

The 2015 Porsche Cajun (not Roxster, folks, sorry) will possibly be built on the Volkswagen Group's MLB / MLP platform and will most clearly set its sights on the recently revealed Range Rover Evoque coupe-shaped compact crossover SUV.

2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid will start from $37,290

The refreshed 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid crossover SUV will be delivered to the U.S. market with a single 3.5-liter V6 gasoline powerplant, four-wheel drive system and a choice of only two trims: Base ($37,290) and Limited ($42,945.)

Choosing between a "normal" and a hybrid-powered Highlander will be a tough thing, especially if you make the choice not only with your wallet (the Highlander SE V6 FWD costs $4140 less than the 4WD Highlander Hybrid Base,) but also with your eyes and heart. The hybrid-powered version of the SUV with its exclusive front fascia looks rather dull and uninspiring, but at the same time offers better mileage in city driving.

According to EPA estimates, the 2011 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which is equipped with a 270hp 3.5-liter V6 engine and a 10hp high-torque electric motor, will offer around 28 mpg in a city cycle, which is 3 mpg better than a base Highlander with a 187hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine can achieve.

The hybrid's "4WD-ness" is a kind of marketing trick, however, since the vehicle's rear wheel is powered only by the electric motor. As many owners of the Lexus RX 450h may witness, this kind of 4WD system often proves ineffective when the vehicle's front wheels are suck in a snow drift or in a particularly nasty mud hole. The electric motor is just too weak to pull the heavy SUV out of the trouble.

However, if you do not plan going off the well-paved roads and live in a warm climate, the Highlander Hybrid may be an interesting choice. While being very fuel efficient and not particularly expensive (especially when compared to the RX 450h that starts from much more impressive $43,235,) the crossover SUV offers a number of pleasantries, including seven-seating capacity, and an optional Leather Package that includes leather-trimmed front seats with front seat heaters, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob. The list of features also includes power moonroof, HomeLink, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass, as well as an engine immobilizer with security alarm.

For some extra money one may also get a Tech Audio package including a USB port, integrated XM Satellite and Bluetooth, a backup monitor with 3.5-inch multi-information display, an eight-way power drivers seat, tonneau cover, engine immobilizer, easy-clean fabric interior, flip-up liftgate window, fog lamps and black roof rails.

See also: 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid debuts

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