1998 Jeep Cherokee Classic Sport Utility 4-door 4.0l on 2040-cars

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Jeep teases Trailcat and other Easter Safari concepts

Update: It's confirmed. The Trailcat is a Hellcat-powered Wrangler concept. Stay tuned for more details. Ahead of the 50th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, the company is teasing two of the seven concepts it'll be taking along. There are virtually no solid details about these two Jeeps, save that they exist. But just reading the word scrawled across the Jeep Wrangler Trailcat concept's hood gets the blood pumping. We've been hearing about Hellcat-powered Jeeps for a while now. The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has been the subject of a steady drum-roll of rumors and reputed confirmations, and even a spy video. But that's the Grand Cherokee. But a Wrangler? The aftermarket has been fooling with it. A company called Hauk will stuff one in a Wrangler for you, and surely other companies will follow. For Jeep itself to stuff one into a concept vehicle seems like a great way to fire up the diehard Wrangler folks. The other concept is called the Jeep Crew Chief, and it looks like an update of the Jeep Chief concept from last year. That incredible, retro design recalled the SJ-generation Jeep Cherokee of the 1970s and '80s. Last year's Chief was based on a Wrangler Unlimited, with the rear doors slightly disguised to emulate its two-doored forbearer. Based on the "Crew" part of the name, we can surmise it might be a crew-cab pickup conversion with the wonderful Chief front end. Expect it to be a hit, as well. Related Video: Jeep Truck SUV Off-Road Vehicles easter jeep safari

Chrysler axes old V6s, goes all-Pentastar

Old technology has a way of lingering on, particularly at Chrysler headquarters in Auburn Hills. So while the Pentastar V6 has replaced the older engine architecture in just about every application, it still soldiered on in some export markets. But the introduction of a new 3.0-liter Pentastar V6, produced in Michigan and meant only for the Chinese market, has put the final nail in the old engine's coffin.
Fitted into the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler just introduced to China at the Chengdu Motor Show, the downsized six uses the same architecture as the larger 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. But because of its 2,997cc capacity, it can be exported to China without the increased duty the 3.6-liter or even 3.2-liter Pentastar engines would incur. The 3.0-liter V6 develops 230 horsepower at 6,350 rpm and 210 pound-feet at 4,400 rpm.
Admittedly, it's unlikely, but even though the engine was said to be created solely to undercut tax thresholds in China and Europe, the 3.0-liter Pentastar has recently surfaced in rumors of an application here: as the boosted heart of a potential Cherokee SRT with anywhere from 375 to 410 hp.

Jeep Grand Cherokee S is handsome dressed in all black

FCA loves to roll out limited- or special-edition variants of its vehicles. Just take a peek through all the different versions of the Ram 1500 and Jeep Wrangler that were available over the years. Generally, most of those models are tailored for the U.S. or completely U.S. exclusive, but that's not always the case. In Europe, there's an awesome looking new Grand Cherokee S. Too bad this murdered-out variant of Jeep' flagship isn't coming here. While many of us lament the popularity of black, silver and white paint colors, there's always something particularly charming about a completely blacked-out vehicle. Ditch all the chrome trim, paint the wheels and tint the lighting. The Grand Cherokee S (for Sport) has a new Low Gloss Granite Crystal color on its badging, grille surround, step pads, tail lamps and 20-inch wheels. The grille itself is painted a deep gloss black. Same goes for the trim around the windows and the exhaust tips. The interior follows the same general form. Most of the trim is done up in either anodized grey or black wood. The SRT seats are covered in black Nappa leather with black stitching. One rare bright spot is the shiny metal pedals. It's not all just looks with the Grand Cherokee S. The model comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the latest iteration of UConnect. That means both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come at no additional running costs. Other features include a 7-inch configurable display in the instrument cluster, an Alpine audio system with a subwoofer and active noise cancellation, a panoramic sunroof, dual zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. Additionally, the Grand Cherokee S gets a sport suspension and Jeep's Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system. It adds a limited-slip differential, a five-mode (auto, snow, sand, mud and rock) selector for optimal traction on rough surfaces. Add on a number of active safety features, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee S gets just about everything available on Jeep's range-topper. Unfortunately the Grand Cherokee S doesn't have a direct equivalent in the U.S., but hey, we get the Trackhawk. We think the Europeans might draw the short straw on that one. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Jeep Design/Style Jeep Crossover SUV Off-Road Vehicles