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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Art Tuning X64 package for the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV

The latest Mercedes-Benz GL-Class family of full-size SUVs is so good as it is that most tuners' attempts to make it even better look really futile, not to say stupid. Nevertheless, serious tuning companies keep presenting their own packages for the highly successful SUV. Now, Art Tuning joins the fray with its X64 program.



On the outside, the package gives the Mercedes-Benz GL a new spoiler with additional air-intakes and a new rear apron with integral air diffuser and four huge chrome-plated exhaust tips. The vehicle has also got a new set of xenon headlamps, LED running lamps and foglamps. As usual, the Merc' running boards feature tuner's logo in brushed stainless steel.



Inside, there is a fortune of expensive leather and Alcantara, a leather-clad steering wheel with wooden or carbon fiber parts and a luxurious multimedia entertainment system with an impressive LCD monitor installed on the ceiling.



The Art Tuning X64 package, Inside Line is reporting, includes "optimization" of the GL's original turbodiesel engine (similar packages for both the V6 and V8 petrol engines are also in the works) and an inevitable reprogramming of the Airmatic adjustable air suspension, decreasing the GL's ground clearance by about 7 cm.





See also: Mercedes-Benz GL450 got 2007 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award

Technorati tags: Mercedes-Benz, GL, tuning, X64, cars, SUV

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Mercedes-Benz GL450 got 2007 Motor Trend SUV of the Year award

The guys from Motor Trend have finally announced the winner of their "SUV of the Year" competition. To their own surprise, the award went to the Mercedes-Benz GL450 seven-seater. The German full-size SUV somehow bested its major competitors -namely, Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator- in terms of value for money, in-class superiority and marketplace significance.



Read the full review here.

See also: Paint me Ferrari Red: Mercedes-Benz ML350 by ART

Technorati tags: Mercedes-Benz, GL450, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, SUV

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Paint me Ferrari Red: Mercedes-Benz ML350 by ART

Because the new appearance package for the new Mercedes Benz ML350 SUV doesn't differ to much from the company's earlier takes on the Mercedes Benz ML-Class, it could have gone unnoticed if not for the Ferrari Red "Rosso Corsa No.322" color scheme used by Art tuning GmbH. It's just like painting an extremely expensive sports car in a camouflage.



One more thing. This Ferrari-inspired Mercedes Benz ML350 comes not only with new aerodynamics set but also with new Xenon headlamp and halogen fog-lamp lighting set as a secondary headlamp unit in the front spoiler available with the Cornerlight function.



The vehicle's rear skirt comes with an integrated diffuser and a four-pipe exhaust system in stainless still coupled with chrome-plated 80mm tailpipe with one end muffler each. Together with thermostat-controlled additional oil heating, special V-belt, engine electronics and V_max disable, the engine's max power is increased from 272 hp up to 380 hp.

To make cornering safer, the Mercedes Benz ML350's AIRMATIC electronic chassis system is lowered by 35mm.

The vehicle comes with three-part six-spoke light-alloy ARTstar2 wheels with a titanium look to use with Pirelli tires in the size of 275/45R19.

Photos: Art tuning GmbH

See also: Nissan Pathfinder by Marc Ecko: Urban Warfare style

Technorati tags: Mercedes Benz, ML350, Art, SUV, tuning, Ferrari, Rosso Corsa, Airmatic, ARTstar2, cars

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