Jeep Announces New Ad Campaign for Italy

Jeep is one of the two mainstream brands within the Fiat Group – Chrysler LLC alliance (the other one being Alfa Romeo) that are destined to play a major global role in the company's growth plans for the future.

To mark Jeep's renewed lineup in Italy, the automaker is launching a new TV campaign under the tagline "Don’t' adapt to conventions". The first spot is named "Never Adapt" and it will begin airing on Italian television channels on Sunday, October 9.

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Posted on 11.51 / 0 comments / Read More

Jeep's Updated Production Plan Includes Four New Models Covering Most Segments by 2014

While future production plans for the Fiat-Chrysler alliance's Italian brands (Fiat , Alfa Romeo and Lancia) can change from one moment to the other for a variety of reasons, up until now, the American branch of the group has proved to be more reliable and on time when it comes to new projects.

At a recent investors presentation in Germany, the Fiat Group unveiled its product plans for Jeep, which the automaker considers as one of the two global brands in the alliance, the other one being Alfa Romeo.

Under the revitalization plan, which runs up until 2014, Jeep will expand its portfolio with a series of new models to cover all SUV/Crossover segments. The group's –admittedly ambitious- goal is to double Jeep's global sales from around 400,000 units in 2010 to about 800,000 vehicles in 2014.

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Posted on 17.55 / 0 comments / Read More

Dodge Mulling Super Durango SRT8 with 465HP Hemi V8

Chrysler already a high-performance SUV in its arsenal, namely the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 that comes fitted with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 pushing out 465 HP and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque and which can complete the quarter mile sprint in the mid-13 seconds range.

But now, the Detroit carmaker it also considering giving the Durango the SRT8 treatment in 2013. This would be an easy task, since both models are based on the same platform.

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Posted on 06.09 / 0 comments / Read More

IAA 2011: Maserati's Jeep-Based but Ferrari-Powered Kubang SUV

For better or for worse, the 64th International Auto Show in Frankfurt hosted the world premiere of Maserati's second effort in the luxury SUV segment, the almost production ready Kubang.

For those of you wondering about the Italian firm's first stab at the popular category, that was the Kubang concept designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and introduced at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show, never to be heard or seen after up until now.

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Posted on 11.34 / 0 comments / Read More

Brand New Chrysler Group Cars Driven at Warp Speed out of Transporter Train…

While we are no strangers to offbeat incidents involving new cars and transporters, we'll admit that we've never seen anything like this – that is, if the video you're about to watch is original and has not been altered in any way as understandably, we can't be 100 per cent sure.

The clip appears to have been shot by someone standing on the top level of a double decker transporter train and it shows five allegedly brand new vehicles (all Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs, if we're not mistaken) shooting out of the deck at warp speed.

The surroundings suggest the train is located at a parking lot terminal. Follow the break to watch the video for yourself and tell us what you think in the comments area below.

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Posted on 16.06 / 0 comments / Read More

IAA 2011: Maserati SUV Photo Leaked or Photoshopped?

Here at autoscardesign we are no strangers to purportedly leaked images that turn out to be photoshops so unless we have solid evidence to back up its authenticity, we treat these photos with skepticism.

The above picture of a Maserati SUV appeared in a pocket book catalogue for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show made by/for Automotive News Europe, and it was quickly picked up by many news sites.

However, aside from the fact that the crossover model depicted here has one too many common design features with the BMW X6, we're under the impression that the same photo (the one on your right hand) appeared in an Italian magazine – the August issue of Quattroruote if we're not mistaken (maybe our Italian readers can help us out here).

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Posted on 06.27 / 0 comments / Read More

Jeep Brings the 465HP Grand Cherokee SRT8 to Europe

In Hall 6 of the Frankfurt Motor Show, a specially designed 760-square-meter area with multiple terrains will host Jeep’s new models for the 64th IAA. Chief among them is the fastest and most powerful model Jeep has ever produced: the Grand Cherokee SRT8 that will make its debut on European soil.

Powered by the Chrysler Group's new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 that produces 465HP and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 255 km/h (159 mph).

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Posted on 09.33 / 0 comments / Read More

Will the Jeep-based SUV Turn Maserati into the New Porsche?

[The above photo is an independent rendering, not the actual Maserati SUV Concept]

Most Italian sports car lovers believe a Jeep-based Maserati SUV will be a disgrace to the company's history, while pragmatists and analysts alike that it is a possible way to revitalize the brand. And those who remember our recent story concerning the soon to be launched Maserati SUV can strike the word “rumor” from the title.

Sources from within the company confirmed today that the Italian company will indeed launch a Jeep Grand Cherokee-based SUV concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. What’s more, the same insiders said that the luxury SUV will be manufactured not at Modena, like all other sports cars bearing the trident badge, but at Chrysler’s Jefferson North plant in Detroit.

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Posted on 10.55 / 0 comments / Read More

Bulgarian Design Studio Vilner Revisits Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600

The Hennessey-prepped Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT600 is once again in the center of attention of the Bulgarian design firm Vilner. Back in October 2010, the company had launched its first take on the Hennessey Grand Cherokee SRT600 that packs a modified V8 engine fitted with a "Vortech" turbo system for an output of 600-horses.

For its second go on the Jeep, Vilner completely revamped the interior with red and black Alcantara combined with black leather trimmed in red seams. The company says it also designed a new flat-bottom steering wheel with its shape customized to fit the owner's personal preferences.

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Posted on 09.31 / 0 comments / Read More

Rumors: Maserati to Show Jeep-Based SUV Concept in Frankfurt, Preparing Chrysler-Based Sports Sedans

The Fiat Group is getting ready to take its alliance with Chrysler to the next level with the presentation of three new models including an SUV and two luxury sports sedans, all using key technology and components from the Chrysler Group's lineup, according to a report from Autonews.

First up is the long-rumored Maserati SUV model, which is said to be previewed by a concept study (not to be confused with the independent design rendering by Andrey Trofimchuk that is pictured in this article) at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, before landing in showrooms in 2013.

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Posted on 08.25 / 0 comments / Read More

Chrysler Announces Prices on New 2012 SRT8 Models Including the 300, Charger, Grand Cherokee and Challenger

The Chrysler Group’s newly formed Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand has released pricing on its latest crop of models, which include the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8, the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8, the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 and the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Prices together with an $825 destination fee start at $47,995 for the Chrysler 300 SRT8, $46,660 for the Dodge Charger SRT8, $44,077 for the Challenger SRT8 and $55,295 for the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

All four SRT8 models are powered by the Chrysler Group’s new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 with Fuel Saver Technology that cranks out 470 horsepower (351kW) and 470 lb-ft (637Nm) of peak torque (465 lb.-ft. / 630 Nm in the Grand Cherokee SRT8).

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Posted on 06.16 / 0 comments / Read More

New Jeep Grand Cherokee Lands in the UK, Available Exclusively with 3.0 V6 Diesel

Jeep claims that it has created the premium SUV market almost 20 years ago with the first generation of the Grand Cherokee (though Mercedes’ M-Class may actually have a better claim on the word “premium”, but whatever…). We’ve already seen the latest iteration of Jeep’s iconic 4x4, and we must admit that, on paper at least, it looks like a significant leap forward from its predecessors. Read more »

Posted on 13.04 / 0 comments / Read More

Maserati SUV may get Hemi V8, not Ferrari V8 after all

Environmentalists may hate them, but SUVs have proved quite popular –that’s why even carmakers with no former experience are jumping in on the bandwagon, especially in the executive (and most profitable) market. The latest automaker to do so is Maserati which will launch its first ever crossover next year.

At first, Fiat-Chrysler’s CEO, Sergio Marchionne, had revealed that that the Maserati SUV will be based on the new Grand Cherokee’s platform, which in turn is based on the quite capable Mercedes M-Class. However, Marchionne had also hinted that, like other Maserati models, it may get a Ferrari V8 –a very mouth-watering, and logical, proposal since the two companies belong to the same group.

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Posted on 10.08 / 0 comments / Read More

465 Horses Make the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 the Fastest Jeep Ever

Jeep has given the SRT treatment to its flagship Grand Cherokee and the result is the creation of the firm’s fastest and most potent production model ever. How does a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration of 4.8 seconds or a quarter mile time in the mid-13 second range sound? This is what the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is capable of, and the reason for these figures lies under the SUV's bonnet.

The Chrysler Group’s Street and Racing Technology division (SRT for short) equipped the performance SUV with an all-new 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 465 horsepower and 465 lb-ft (630 Nm) of torque.

Compared to the outgoing model powered by the 6.1-liter HEMI V8 unit, the new Grand Cherokee SRT8 has an extra 45HP and 45 lb-ft (61 Nm) of torque. About 90 percent of peak torque is available between 2,800 and 6,000 rpm. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 can do 0-100-0 mph in the mid-16 second range and has a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

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Posted on 09.38 / 0 comments / Read More

Geneva Preshow: Jeep Adds New 3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel to Grand Cherokee Range

Given that over forty per cent of all cars sold in Europe are diesel-powered, any brand that wants to be successful in the market must have diesel options in its range. Following the presentation of its new 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel on the Chrysler 300's European clone, the Lancia Thema, the Fiat Group is now introducing the oil-burner to the Jeep Grand Cherokee range for Europe and other diesel markets around the world.

The new V6 diesel engine is built by VM Motori and has been developed together with Fiat Powertrain, which is a subsidiary of the Fiat Group. The 3.0-liter unit features Fiat's MultiJet II system which enables up to eight injections per cycle, with the possibility of managing the two main injections in a single modular profile (IRS – Injection Rate Shaping). It is also fitted with a single Garrett VGT 2056 turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.

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Posted on 14.25 / 0 comments / Read More

Jeep to Revive Grand Wagoneer Nameplate with New 7-Seat SUV, Marchionne Says Commander was "Unfit for Human Consumption"

In talking with reporters on Monday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chrysler and Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed plans to bring the Jeep Grand Wagoneer nameplate back to life with an all-new seven seat SUV model, based on the underpinnings of the recently launched Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.

“It's time we gave the market an upper-scale Grand Wagoneer,” said Marchionne. “You'll see it in January 2013.”

As expected, reporters asked Marchionne how the Grand Wagoneer would differ from the seven-seat Jeep Commander, which Chrysler killed last year. The CEO's answer was piercingly honest: “That car was unfit for human consumption. We sold some. But I don't know why people bought them.”

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Posted on 07.34 / 0 comments / Read More

Jeep Announces 70th Anniversary Edition Models at Detroit Motor Show

After releasing a barrage of refreshed models, Chrysler's Jeep division is now banking on a series of special edition models created to celebrate the brand's 70th anniversary.

“As part of our celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Jeep brand, we are creating stunning, premium special-edition models of each vehicle in our lineup that pay homage to the history of the legendary Jeep brand,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO of Jeep.

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Posted on 06.26 / 0 comments / Read More

LA Show Preview: New Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet Editions

The full of activity Chrysler Group will be unveiling a pair of premium editions of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty [Cherokee in Europe] at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both the Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet models benefit from added standard content as well as bespoke styling features, and are scheduled to arrive in dealerships next month.

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Posted on 06.35 / 0 comments / Read More

Marchionne Says Jeep Grand Cherokee Platform Could be Used on New Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati SUVs

Launched in June, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee has enjoyed a massive success, as sales last month were up 291% compared to October 2009. So it comes to no surprise that Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat and Chrysler, is considering the use of the Grand Cherokee's architecture on a variety of new models including Fiat, Maserati and Alfa Romeo SUVs, and possibly for a future Chrysler variant.

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Posted on 17.28 / 0 comments / Read More

Mopar Tunes from SEMA Show Including Fiat 500, Dodge Redline Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee

Here are the first real life photos of some of the Mopar-tuned Chrysler Group products that were introduced at the SEMA aftermarket show in Las Vegas. If you follow the break, you can find photos of the customized Fiat 500, Dodge Redline Charger, Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus a video with Mark Allen, head of Jeep Product Design, showing off three new Jeep studies.

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Posted on 11.22 / 0 comments / Read More