2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.0l Diesel W/leat on 2040-cars

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Jeep going bigger with new Grand Wagoneer, smaller with sub-Renegade?

The headlines are still rolling in for the new Renegade that Jeep unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show last week, but already reports are surfacing, citing sources within the company, about what Chrysler's iconic off-road brand will do next.
Speaking with Auto Express (whose reports we tend to take with a grain of salt or two), Jeep chief Mike Manley suggested that two courses of action are currently under consideration at Auburn Hills to develop two very different new models - one smaller and one larger than anything Jeep currently makes.
One plan would be to make an SUV or crossover even smaller than the new Renegade, although it isn't immediately clear what platform it would take. The Renegade (pictured above in Trailhawk spec) will be built in Italy alongside Fiat's upcoming 500X, but uses a heavily modified platform. We figure the smaller model, if approved, could base itself on the new Fiat Panda Cross.

2015 Jeep Renegade Sport 4x4 Quick Spin [w/video]

Which is the most entertaining Jeep Renegade you can get? While one might make an argument for the Trailhawk model and its accompanying off-road hardware and consequential go-anywhere ability, that car comes with one glaring flaw – its 2.4-liter engine and nine-speed automatic transmission just aren't very entertaining. Instead, I submit the turbocharged, 1.4-liter base engine and its accompanying six-speed manual, a position that was reinforced after a recent stint behind the wheel of a very basic Sport 4x4. Not only do you get a fair amount of the Trailhawk's off-road ability – the Selec-Terrain system and a 4WD Lock mode are standard, but you'll be without the 20:1 crawl ratio and Rock off-road mode – you'll also enjoy a more dynamically interesting powertrain. Read on to see why the force-induced Renegade might just be the way to go. Driving Notes My first date with the Renegade was on the mostly empty, winding roads of northern California. There, the 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four with 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque felt fine – with no traffic and few stoplights along the drive route, it was easy to keep the engine on boil. But this engine isn't as enjoyable in day-to-day suburban traffic. Power arrives suddenly – peak torque comes between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm – and if you don't use it, you lose it. There's not much oomph in the higher end of the rev range. With such a peaky powerband, it's easy to get caught flat-footed if you're not paying attention. Thankfully the manual transmission makes it simple to stay engaged and in the correct gear. The stick-shift is enjoyable to use, with a firm clutch that's easy to modulate and shift action that isn't sloppy or vague. The 1.4-liter engine sounds good. Turn down the stereo, stomp on the throttle, and you'll be treated to a delicious turbo whistle and a smooth exhaust note. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I want Mopar to offer the Fiat 500 Abarth's exhaust on the Renegade. It'd be fun. If you do prefer the stereo, know that the Renegade's standard four-speaker unit is weak. Base models don't offer Bluetooth or satellite radio, but you can add both of those luxuries, two extra speakers, and a five-inch touchscreen for just $695. Not a bad bargain. The Koni frequency selective dampers do an excellent job of managing both small, frequent imperfections (like freeway expansion joints), and the bigger potholes that still haven't been fixed after the havoc of Detroit's winter.

Jeep recalling 75,000 Cherokees over air-conditioning lines

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued a recall for an estimated 75,364 examples of the Jeep Cherokee in the United States. The problem stems from an air-conditioning line, which may have been installed to close to the exhaust manifold. "Under certain operating conditions," says FCA in the statement below, "this may pose a fire risk." Thus far, however, the company says it is "unaware of any related injuries or accidents." The owners of those 75k Jeeps (as well as another 18,000+ in other markets) can expect to hear from their local dealers to have the problem rectified. However the manufacturer also advises owners to watch out for indicators like air-conditioning loss or a dashboard warning light and contact their dealers if necessary. Related Video: Statement: Air-conditioning System October 27, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 75,364 U.S.-market SUVs to inspect and replace, as required, their air-conditioning lines, as required. FCA US launched an investigation after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received two customer complaints involving smoke and fire. The Company discovered air-conditioning lines on some vehicles may have been installed in close proximity to their engines' exhaust manifolds; under certain operating conditions, this may pose a fire risk. FCA US is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The recall is limited to certain 2015 Jeep Cherokees. Additional vehicles are affected in other markets. They include an estimated 7,571 in Canada; 4,018 in Mexico; and 6,942 outside the outside the NAFTA region. Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which FCA US will provide free of charge. . Customers who observe air-conditioning loss or any other concern, such as a dashboard warning light, should contact their dealers. Customers with additional questions may call the FCA US Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.