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2014 Easter Jeep Safari kicks off with six concepts

The 2014 Easter Jeep Safari is set to begin this weekend in Moab, Utah, and while it's sure to be a blast for Jeep enthusiasts from all corners of the world, we're looking forward to the wild, off-road ready concepts that Jeep will be bringing to the red rocks. As you can see in our handy headline, there are six such vehicles in total, each of which sports a variety of tweaks and custom bits.
Unlike in years past, where Jeep graced us with some outrageous concepts like the Mighty FC or J-12, this year's vehicles are a bit more restrained and a bit more buildable by enthusiasts. That's not by accident, officials tell us. They wanted to put this year's focus on attainable vehicles and accessories from Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts that existing owners can use to augment their own vehicles. So let's get to it.
We'll start with the Wranglers first. There are three concepts of the jeepiest of Jeep coming to Moab - the Level Red, Maximum Performance and Mojo. The Level Red and the Mojo (seen above) are similar from a suspension and engine standpoint. Both boast a two-inch Jeep Performance Parts lift kit, which officials tell us is coming to market in the next few months. There are a pair of Dana 44 crate axles on both the front and rear, while a Jeep Performance Parts Rock-Trac transfer case has been fitted. The 3.6-liter V6 engines on both Jeeps can breathe a bit easier thanks to a new cold-air intake and exhaust system.

Jeep Renegade gets new duds courtesy of Mopar

In a uncommon move, Jeep has found itself with customized versions of a car we've become quite familiar seeing on auto show floors well before it's actual on-sale date. But that's okay – we're pretty fond of the little Renegade, and we're even more keen to get behind the wheel, something that's scheduled to take place in just a few weeks. The two Renegade models you see here have been blessed with bits and pieces from the Mopar parts catalog. These Jeep Performance Parts and Authentic Accessories will be made available to buyers of the Renegade who want to add some factory-backed custom flair to their rough-and-tumble baby crossovers, whether they plan to stay on the asphalt or head off the beaten path. Starting on the street, the Urban Jeep Renegade doesn't really have any major modifications, its factory-spec bike carrier, mirror caps, grille rings, taillamp surrounds and roof rails in Omaha Orange paint over an Anvil-color base serving more to make it stand out from the crowd than actually offer any additional capability. The interior of the Urban Renegade also gets Omaha Orange highlights to go along with Katzkin leather seats. On the dirtier side of the crossover equation, the Commando Green off-road Mopar-modded Renegade gets concept skid plate, prototype rock rails, rear valance and production roof rails provide some added protection and carrying capabilities. X-shaped graphics mimic the jerry can-style motif of the Renegade's tail lamps. Inside, Commando Green bits again join Katzkin leather. Take a good look at all the images above, and feel free to read more about the Mopar-spec Jeep Renegade models below. Mopar to Showcase Trio of Customized Vehicles at NAIAS 2015 - Mopar display at 2015 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit to spotlight how Mopar parts help customers personalize their rides - Off-road Mopar-equipped Jeep® Renegade makes Trailhawk model of Jeep brand's all-new small SUV even more trail tough using Jeep Performance Parts - Urban Mopar-equipped Jeep Renegade enhances city-sized proportions and versatility of the all-new 2015 Renegade with selections from Jeep Authentic Accessories catalog - Dodge Challenger T/A Concept blends vintage design cues with cutting-edge Mopar performance mods January 9, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich.

Fiat Chrysler to get $105M fine from NHTSA for recall woes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is about to send a powerful message to automakers doing business in the United States, assuming reports of an upcoming $105 million fine against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles comes to fruition. In addition to the record-setting monetary fine, according to The Wall Street Journal, FCA will have to accept an independent auditor that will monitor the company's recall and safety processes and will be forced to buy back certain recalled vehicles. In other cases, such as with Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty models with gas tanks that could potentially catch fire in certain types of accidents, FCA will offer financial encouragement for owners to get their recall work done or to trade those older vehicles in on new cars, according to the report. FCA could reportedly reduce its fines if it meets certain conditions, though those remain unclear at this time. These actions against FCA are being taken after NHTSA began a probe into the automaker over almost two dozen separate instances where the government claims FCA failed to follow proper procedures for recalls and safety defects. Included in those safety lapses are more than 11 million vehicles currently in customer hands. These penalties and fines are separate from the investigation over security problems with Chrysler's Uconnect system that allowed hackers to obtain remote access into key vehicle systems in 1.4 million vehicles. Related Video: Image Credit: Marco Bertorello/AFP/Getty Earnings/Financials Government/Legal Recalls Chrysler Dodge Fiat Jeep RAM Safety fiat chrysler automobiles fine