2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4wd Ecodiesel on 2040-cars

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2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel and SRT climb onto stage

This is indeed a case of not knowing how much we wanted something until it arrived. We've been big fans of the Jeep Grand Cherokee ever since the new model arrived a couple of years ago, and while the update you see here might seem just a slight refresh, it's actually much more than that.
For starters, the 2014 Grand Cherokee marks the return of a diesel model here in the States, with Chrysler's new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 under the hood, churning out 240 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Of course, all of the Grand Cherokee's usual off-road goodies are on hand, with moderate tweaks to make it an even more capable vehicle when the going gets rough. Both the gasoline-fed 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter V8 get the new eight-speed auto, as well.
The high-performance Grand Cherokee SRT also trudges on into the new model year, with very subtle tweaks found underneath the aggressive, slightly redesigned sheetmetal. The 6.4-liter Hemi V8 also gets eight-speed gearing, which Chrysler says will improve not only 0-60 times, but mid-range performance as well. Bring it on, we say.

Jeep Renegade gets Riptide and Frostbite customs at SEMA

The cute little Jeep Renegade isn't even on sale yet, but here at SEMA, the Mopar folks are giving us a taste of what's possible for the little CUV in the big wide world of customization. Part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' massive SEMA spread, the Renegade shows up in fresh Riptide and and Frostbite guises.
First up, the Riptide arrives in Vibrance Grandeur Blue with black wheels and a big ol' Jeep Performance Parts logo on the rear pillar. There are a few black accents elsewhere on the exterior, and a surfboard carrier rides up on the roof. The blue color scheme also finds its way inside the Renegade, on the instrument cluster and side panels, with contrasting white accents.
By contrast, the Frostbite Renegade reverses the Riptide's color scheme, with white being the main paint of choice, with blue accents abound. And inside, Katzkin seats wear blue upholstery. The Frostbite is a pretty functional creation, as well, with a Mopar ski/snowboard roof rack and a Jeep Performance Parts rock rail guard.

2016 Jeep Wrangler to ditch solid axles to save weight?

Hey, Jeep fans. If you think the idea of a funky-looking, car-based Cherokee revival is offensive, have a listen to what might be in store for the next-gen Jeep Wrangler. Automotive News is reporting that as Jeep develops the 2016 Wrangler, weight reduction is a crucial target, and the Wrangler's rugged solid axles could be sacrificed in the name of better fuel economy.
We've already heard the next Wrangler will go on a serious diet using aluminum body panels and an air suspension system, so the idea of a four-wheel independent suspension setup for this OG SUV isn't all that surprising. Besides, it's not like an independent suspension would limit the Wrangler's off-road abilities - just check out the Hummer H1. In fact, it might be the aftermarket parts companies - not Wrangler enthusiasts - who would be most disappointed by such a drastic suspension change, as the article states that the Wrangler's solid axles and coil-link suspension make it the most popular SUV for customization.
There are probably still a couple years before we'll start hearing any concrete details about the 2016 Wrangler, at which time it will be interesting to see how stricter fuel economy and crash safety regulations have been balanced with traditional Wrangler cues like its removable doors and roof and folding windshield. Let us know in the comments below if a Wrangler sans solid axles is any less of a Wrangler.