Chrysler's co-president continued to talk up his employer's plans for electrically-driven vehicles this week at a media luncheon in California. Press told the gathering that he had driven three different producible prototypes of plug-in hybrid vehicles recently. The vehicles have been developed by the new ENVI unit that was established in late 2007 specifically to work on electric vehicles. According to Press, the vehicles can accelerate from 0-60 mph in four seconds and have a range of over 300 miles. Press hasn't said when these vehicles would be built, but earlier this summer, company officials indicated a 3-5 year timeline to produce such vehicles. If so that would put the company at least 1-2 years behind the expected launch of the Chevrolet Volt and a potential plug-in version of the Toyota Prius. For production, it's likely that the performance of the cars would be dialed back significantly in order to increase electric range although a higher-performance Dodge vehicle is not out of the question.



[Source: Los Angeles Times]
Photos Copyright ©2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Owners of Jeep Libertys equipped with the late 2.8L four cylinder turbo diesel engine may now have the chance to pick up a spare engine at what will likely be a rock bottom price. In fact, why stop at just one when there are 158 engines available at auction? That's right, the Jeep factory in Toledo, Ohio has got a surplus of unused engines just sitting on pallets collecting dust. We all know how much Chrysler could use the extra cash right about now, so the extra engines have got to go. Prospective buyers can click here to go to the GoIndustry-DoveBid auction site to see how to get in touch with the right person. Although the auction listing is extremely lacking in details, we wonder if Chrysler is looking to offload all of these engines as a single lot or if it's willing to seperate them. Hmm, we wonder... did a bunch of warranties just expire? Thanks for the tip, r p!

[Source: DoveBid.com]

click to enlarge

A diesel-engined Jeep Patriot can go through six countries under the right circumstances. Jeep would like to remind you that even if you're not going on a lengthy journey, you can still enjoy the 35mpg (U.S.) vehicle. Why? Well, it's apparently "a bling thing" (as you can see in the press release after the jump).

Jeep hopes people considering buying the Patriot are going to be swayed by a few visual upgrades: things like a Startech chrome grille, a bodykit, sports suspension, or 20-inch alloys. Interior changes available are chrome loudspeaker rings, a leather gear knob or leather armrest. If you care more about what's under the hood, Jeep also offers enhancements to the diesel engine. Unfortunately, the enhancement bumps up the horsepower instead of fuel economy. The engine upgrade is called the PowerXtra Performance Module and it gives the 2.0-litre diesel engine an extra 40bhp for £999. Prices for the bling are available beyond the break.

There aren't too many 4WD electric jeep look-a-likes on the market and so when we first told you about the Scarlette there were some obvious questions that would eventually need to be addressed. Would they be on the receiving end of a lawsuit from Jeep? Would anyone even buy it? Why would someone call this Jeep-looking thing the Tender Scarlette? Well, so far as we know, the lawyers at Chrysler haven't sunk their fangs into the small French EV-maker yet, though looking at the losses that company is racking up, one might assume they are getting a little peckish. Sales have begun, according to the company's gros fromage (big cheese), Gérard Christaud, the Scarlette is a "go" with 30 vehicles sold and orders on hand for 350 more. Some of these tasty EV morsels have even crossed the Atlantic.

There have been some delays, as is common with new ventures though the blame here is being placed gently at the feet of suppliers rather than with their own high-tech assembly plant in the Rhone-Alpes. They had better pick up the pace soon because they have just inked a distribution deal with FESA (an association of automotive professionals) and will have a production goal of 1,000 a month. As to why they call it the "Scarlette," we can only answer, somewhat predictably, that frankly, we don't give a damn.

[Source: Avenir Du Vehicule Electrique Mediterraneen]

Click the Jeep for a high-res gallery of the Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

Currently, every Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle, with the exception of the Dodge Viper, is being sold in Europe with a diesel engine option. What's more, half of them are able to hit the 35 mile per gallon mark in combined driving. In what may seem like the ultimate slap in the face, they are all built right here in America, but we cannot buy them. All of this information is available here, which is a popular article circulating on Digg. The writer of the article makes the aforementioned points as an argument as to why Chrysler should be able to sell their diesel vehicles here in the states. At this time, only one of Chrysler's diesels, the Grand Cherokee, is being sold here.

One problem stands in the way of the rest of the diesels being sold stateside, and it's a big one: emissions. This is a much bigger problem than the article seems to contend. There is more to the greening of our fleet of vehicles than fuel mileage, and emissions are a very important part of the puzzle. Diesel engines can be made to meet the emissions requirements in the U.S., but they add to the cost of the vehicle. When we add in the rising price of diesel fuel, diesel vehicles can become a tough sell. In the coming years, it is likely that manufacturers will introduce more diesel engines here in the U.S., and the hope remains that as they do, the price of the technology will go down.

[Source: MPGOmatic]

I am not sure I can accuse the Jeep "Rock Me Gently" TV commercial in the video above of greenwashing because it's just so strange. The ad and website implies animals really like Jeep which, you could argue, implies Jeeps are good for the environment. It's also possible Jeep is saying, "we destroy the environment but we do it 'gently.'" What do you think? If you can't take just one minute of that 70's classic "Rock Me Gently," enjoy the musical stylings of Andy Kim singing the entire song below the fold.

Related:

• VW Bluemotion's print and TV ads
• Video: TV ad for Hydrogen 7 BMW
• Video: Toyota apologizes for Prius ad after it appears on Digg
• Video: odd Prius "Guzzle" TV commercial

[Source: YouTube]

Click the Jeep for a high-res gallery

If you're in the market for a truly off-road capable, mid-sized SUV with great towing capability that gets better-than-expected fuel economy, Chrysler has just made it a little easier on your wallet. They have expanded availability of the Mercedes 3.0L diesel V-6 to the entry level Laredo model and dropped the package price on the up-level models by $1,000. You can now get a 4X2 diesel Grand Cherokee starting at $35,685. The Jeep is certainly no Prius, but if you need a 7,400 lb towing capacity, it's a hard option beat. You can check out our recent full review of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited CRD here.

Want to know the hottest, green trend in car design and the vehicles that are sure to turn heads in 2008? The answer, IMHO, is convertible, two door, mini SUV/crossovers. I have compiled a list of the top 10 best concept Jeeps and Jeep-like vehicles for you. Why will young, hip, urban types suddenly go Daisy Duke and start driving a Jeep? Small vehicles like sip gas when compared to an SUV and with gas prices probably going to $4 a gallon next year, a vehicle type even smaller than the crossover that maintains the usability and apparent safety of the SUV just might take off.

Major car makers like GM see green technology like hybrids and smaller design as a way to improve the mileage and sales of their best selling SUV. Crossovers as a solution to the problem of slowing SUV sales are losing steam and, as 2007 comes to a close, we are already seeing a Hummer even smaller than the 20 MPG H3 and the BMW Mini entering the SUV market. The Hummer and Mini SUV are on the top of our top 10, which you can read in full below the fold. Are you ready for modern, small off-roader?

Although this reviewer finds the Jeep Grand Cherokee wrapped around the new 3.0 liter Mercedes-sourced V6 diesel engine lackluster (what a surprise, coming from TTAC), it is the engine that we are really interested in, right? And I would say that it does not disappoint in this application. As Montgomery points out, off-roaders are primarily interested in throttle response and a flat torque curve on the lower side of the tach, and that is exactly what this engine delivers. According to Montgomery, it also moves the rather large, heavy vehicle down the highway smartly. This is most definitely a good thing, and he likens the thrust to the hand of God. If the assurance of the hand of God was really included in the rather steep asking price, perhaps there would be more of them on the road. But, at over 40 grand as tested (starting at under $38,475), finding out for yourself might take some empty pockets.

If the Jeep is not the vehicle for you but you are still interested in the engine, you should know that it is available in various models from Mercedes. Again, the price may be steep, but remember that you are really only comparing the price of the diesel engine option versus the standard gasoline engine. The review points out another benefit to the engine, the range of the vehicle. You can travel 450 miles between fill-ups on the highway with this beast. I usually don't last quite that long without wanting to get out for a coffee or a stretch.

Jeep proved that consumers want diesels in their SUVs with the (no longer available) 4-cylinder diesel engine option in the Liberty, which sold better than expected. Will that desire stretch over to larger, more expensive SUVs? How about passenger cars? The market will speak soon enough!

Related:

• New York Preview: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel

[Source: The Truth About Cars]

Click on the image for a gallery of high-res images of the 2007 Jeep Patriot.

The all-new 2007 Jeep Patriot delivers class-leading fuel efficiency via its standard 2.4-liter World Engine, giving it 26 mpg / 9.0 L per 100km in the city and 30 mpg / 7.8 L per 100km on the highway. The Patriot's engine provides 172 horsepower (128 kW) and 165 lb.-ft. (222 N*m) of torque and is matched to a standard five-speed manual transaxle and or an optional Continuously Variable Transaxle (CVT2) which improves fuel economy by 6-8 percent compared with a traditional four-speed automatic transaxle.

The World Engine also features dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT), which helps optimise the torque curve at all speeds, to up the power, increase the fuel economy and give the passengers a smoother, quieter ride than engines without dual VVT.

Boasting best-in-class off-road capabilities, the 2007 Patriot has an electronically controlled coupling (ECC) attached to the rear differential to form an integral part of the new Jeep's Freedom Drive I and Freedom Drive II Off-road Package four-wheel-drive systems. The unit seamlessly interacts with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) and Brake Traction Control systems to ensure torque is transferred where and when required for improved handling and traction. Fuel economy is actually improved by the system which only operates when needed.

Analysis: Once upon a time, if you were offering a trail rated, serious off-roader, fuel economy just wouldn't have been one of the design criteria. But when the consuming public starts to demand better mileage, we see people like Jeep respond with a highly capable vehicle with great fuel economy. A bit of consumer action is a beautiful thing.

Complete press release with all the off-road details after the jump.



Related:

• Jeep launches the Grand Cherokee CRD at $38,475
• Step right up! How automakers have placed their bets on future powertrain technologies
• Detroit Auto Show: Live reveal of the Jeep Trailhawk with BlueTec V-6

[Source: Jeep press release]

The Detroit Free Press reports this morning that DaimlerChrysler will be offering a diesel powered version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2007. The 2007 Grand Cherokee will be powered by a 3.0-liter common rail turbo diesel engine built at a Mercedes-Benz plant in Berlin. Not everyone in the should go running towards their Jeep dealerships though, since they won't be able to sell the diesel-powered Grand Cherokee in five states because of emission laws. The projected improvement in mpg will be modest though, 19 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The 2006 Grand Cherokee Limited with a V8 engines gets 17 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. I wonder if the engine option will be targeted more towards people that are looking for excellent towing capacity, which I am sure the diesel option will provide.

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]