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Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk headlines 2017 model year updates

If the photos below look familiar, it's because we saw them last week. Yes, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is real, and it's a welcome (and predictable) addition to the Jeep family. It boasts rugged good looks and plenty of capability, and debuts this week at the New York Auto Show. Standard Trailhawk equipment includes Jeep's Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, a revised air suspension (specifically for Trailhawk, we're told), skid plates, the black hood decal, and cute little red tow hooks. It's also got an ever-so-slightly different front fascia, taken right from the 2012 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Moab concept. Buyers can choose from 18- or 20-inch wheels. Looking for something a bit more posh? Try the Summit, pictured below, with its 20-inch polished wheels, LED foglights, and full-wrap Laguna leather interior. It's loaded to the gills with every available Grand Cherokee option, and certainly sounds like one seriously nice SUV. View 15 Photos What's great is that both Trailhawk and Summit models can be had with three different engines. The standard powerplant is Chrysler's 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6, but the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 and 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 are also available. (We love the idea of a Trailhawk with the diesel, by the way.) Both models go on sale this fall. Read more about both in the press blast below. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Even More Capability and Luxury for the Most-awarded SUV Ever - Jeep Brand Introduces New 2017 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Summit Models at the New York International Auto Show - New Trailhawk model expands Jeep® Grand Cherokee lineup with most capable version ever produced - Grand Cherokee Summit models boast new, even more luxurious hand-crafted leather interior, new appearance and added standard premium features Both new Grand Cherokee models arrive in Jeep showrooms in late summer March 23, 2016 , New York - Already the most awarded SUV ever, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is about to become even more capable and even more luxurious. At the New York International Auto Show today, the Jeep brand expanded its Grand Cherokee lineup with the introduction of a new Trailhawk model – the most capable factory-produced Grand Cherokee ever. The brand also introduced the 2017 Grand Cherokee Summit, bringing a new exterior appearance, a plush new interior and even more standard premium features to consumers looking for the ultimate premium full-size SUV.

Winter storm got you down? Try snowboarding through Manhattan

Two filmmakers decided to make the best of this weekend's historic snowstorm by turning New York City into a winter sports enthusiast's wonderland. Popular YouTube based filmmakers Casey Neistat and Jesse Wellens uploaded this video of Neistat snowboarding through the empty streets of Manhattan yesterday. While officials were warning motorists to avoid driving in the blizzard, Neistat and his buddy were being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler through Times Square. It goes without saying that this stunt is suicidally dangerous. There are several moments in the video where Neistat gets pretty close to wiping out on the back of parked, snow covered cars or on the cornerstones of buildings. All to the soundtrack of Frank Sinatra's New York, New York, no less. The police do make a cameo, but NY's finest admit to merely wanting to watch the escapades. "Someone complained about you, so we're going to act like we're talking to you," the unnamed officer can be heard saying on video. The original video has since gone viral, and currently stands at over 6.2 million views in just 24 hours. Despite the virality of their tricks, please do not attempt this in your own snowbound metropolis.

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.