2011 Jeep Liberty Limited on 2040-cars

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2015 Jeep Cherokee finds a bit more fuel mileage thanks to stop/start and aero tweaks

Just a year after it burst onto the scene, Jeep has already made a pretty substantial addition to its V6-powered Cherokee, which has proven to be an extremely popular seller so far for the brand, adding a new stop-start system for the midsize, off-road-ready CUV.
The addition of stop-start included a few aerodynamic tweaks to the Cherokee's polarizing body, resulting in a wallet-pleasing increase in fuel economy. According to the EPA, the front-drive, V6-powered Jeep will now return 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, up from 19 city and 28 highway. Four-wheel-drive, V6-powered Cherokees, meanwhile, will now return 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, up from 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg.
With 271 horsepower, 239 pound-feet of torque and these newly enhanced figures, it's refreshing to see a larger, naturally aspirated engine that is still able to take the fight to today's crop of small-displacement, turbocharged four-cylinders.

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.

AEV Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

After their rented 2007 Hummer H3 failed them during the brutal Rallye Aicha des Gazelles in Morocco, Amy Lerner and her sister Tricia Reina were on a quest to find the most capable production off-roader for their next competition - they chose a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Their next mission was to find a company with the competence to configure it to win. After poring over Internet forums and perusing countless magazines for an outfitter who could meet their demanding requirements, they sent their bright orange JK ("Crush" is the official color) to American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) for some modifications.
The Michigan-based team at AEV kept the Jeep's 3.6-liter V6 and automatic transmission stock, but replaced the hood with a tall AEV Heat Reduction Hood and added an AEV Snorkel Kit for water crossings (it serves double-duty as its raised height helps to keep the air intake out of the kicked-up dust on the trail). Front and rear off-road bumpers were bolted in place, and AEV skid plates were added to provide additional undercarriage protection. A pair of IPF-900 off-road lights improve visibility, while a 10.2-gallon AEV Fuel Caddy (located behind the exterior spare) added some range. The suspension was upgraded with a 3.5-inch lift kit with Bilstein remote reservoir shocks, and 35-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T tires (LT285/70R17) were mounted at all four corners on AEV's beadlock wheels.