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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StarTech exterior tuning for the Jeep Wrangler

Startech keeps introducing its fresh tuning packages for the recent bunch of American compact SUVs. The complete tuning program for the new Jeep Wrangler is yet to be developed, but the owners of the all-terrain vehicle may now order some exterior enhancements elements developed by Startech's designers.



The most interesting part of the package is the new set of polished STARTECH Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels designed to feet the SUV's 285/50 R 20 both on- and off-road tires. The company insists that the rims not only provide the vehicle with more exclusive look but also ensure 'more agile' and safer handling.



There will also soon be available stainless-steel tubular side guards, a spare wheel cover with high-gloss stainless-steel ring, and a stainless-steel exhaust with a pair of oval chrome tailpipes.

Inside the Wrangler, you can install new scuff plates and a Startech sport steering wheel.

The German tuner also promises to soon add a STARTECH SD 4T tuning module for the Jeep Wrangler's recently introduced 2.8-liter common-rail oil-burner.

See also: Jeep Compass Rallye Package from Mopar adds insult to injury

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Jeep Compass Rallye Package from Mopar adds insult to injury

Mopar has just revealed its "Rallye" package for the ugly Jeep Compass compact SUV. It's not a tuning package one might hope but only an appearance body kit, which, one might say, doesn't change Compass' appearance at all. To the better, I mean.



The 2007 Jeep Compass is a really ugly bastard. I mean it is so ugly, even Pontiac Aztek looks more like a beauty queen when compared. Apparently trying to do something about this, Jeep asked its affiliate Mopar tuning studio to make a body kit that would give the anemic-looking compact SUV a tougher look.



The job was done with the help of a new set of 18-inch wheels, roof-mounted rear spoiler, auxiliary driving lights with the Jeep logo, bright exhaust tips, and the "Rallye" chrome badge. Yuck.

The Jeep Compass Mopar Rallye Package will cost $1,985 when ordered with the Sport trim and $1,850 for the Jeep Compass Limited.

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

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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes with more premium features

DaimlerChrysler has eventually revealed the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee model range. The facelifted full-size SUV will now be available with a choice of five engines, three four-wheel-drive systems and first in the class SIRIUS Backseat TV entertainment system.



New engines

In its press release the company claims the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee to be the first full-size SUV which is offered with a choice of five engines, including a Mercedes-built 3.0-liter CRD V-6 oil-burner and a 4.7-liter flex-fuel V-8. Capable of producing up to 305 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque, the engine may work on up to 85 percent (E85) concentration of ethanol.

The other engines mentioned are 3.7-liter V-6 (standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo), 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI (standard on Overland and available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited) and 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 (standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8).



New safety features

The facelifted 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee may now be ordered with auto-leveling HID and SmartBeam headlamps, ParkView Rear Back-up Camera (with or without navigation), ParkSense Rear Back-up System, rain-sensing wipers and Hill Descent Control system, which is standard on all Grand Cherokee 4x4 models. There are also Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control systems to make the SUV even safer on the road.

Craftier interior

New interior features include two-tone instrument panel with a soft-touch surface and better styling; new tilt and telescoping steering column; and updated instrument cluster with brighter LED illumination.



Technorati tags: 2008, Jeep, Grand Cherokee, SUV, HEMI, CRD, E85, cars

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New Jeep Patriot to invade Europe

Jeep plans to present its new Patriot SUV to European customers during the upcoming motor show in Geneva. Available with a nice pack of features offered at a "competitive" price, the new Jeep Patriot is supposed to become an entry-level vehicle of choice for the American brand.



The European version of the new Jeep Patriot will be offered with a standard 2.4-liter petrol engine and an optional 2.0-liter turbocharged oil-burner in both left- and right-hand drive.



The standard package will include such features as side-curtain airbags, ABS, ESP, electronic roll mitigation system and the Freedom Drive I, a full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode.



The company promises that the new Jeep Patriot will be available in Europe in the second quarter.



See also: Vauxhall Antara will start at £19,850

Technorati tags: Jeep, Patriot, SUV, engine, cars

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