2011 Jeep Wrangler on 2040-cars

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Jeep marks 75th anniversary in Detroit with special editions

It's been 75 years since the Jeep brand was founded. To celebrate the occasion, the sport-ute manufacturer has rolled out an array of six special editions – one for each model in its lineup. And they've each marked their debut here in Detroit. The 75th Anniversary Editions of the Wrangler, Renegade, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Patriot are all decked out in green – though the exact shade differs between models, and they can be ordered in different colors for those who prefer. Either way, the bodywork is offset by bronze trim, mesh fabric interiors, and all the special-edition badges you could ask for. And in true Jeep style, they all offer some degree of open-airedness, even if that just means a sunroof. Of course, bringing back the Wrangler pickup and Grand Wagoneer – both of which are planned for this milestone year – would be agreeable as well, as would a Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee SRT. But for now these special editions strike us as suitable a way as any to celebrate three quarters of a century of rock-crawling. Check 'em out in the gallery above of live images from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show for a closer look before they reach dealers in the first quarter of this year. THE JEEP® BRAND CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF LEGENDARY HISTORY WITH FULL LINEUP OF NEW SPECIAL-EDITION MODELS - New 75th Anniversary models available across entire Jeep® lineup - Special-edition vehicles feature unique available Jeep Green exterior, Satin Bronze wheels, Bronze and Orange exterior accents, unique interiors, open-air freedom and 75th Anniversary badging - Available in Jeep dealer showrooms first quarter 2016 January 6, 2016 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Born in 1941, the Jeep® brand celebrates 75 years of 4x4 leadership, military history, and open-air freedom and adventure in 2016. As a tribute to this diamond anniversary celebration, Jeep is creating distinctive, 75th Anniversary special-edition models of each vehicle in its lineup. "Jeep vehicles have defined the authentic SUV and set the benchmark for off-road capability and freedom since they were first produced in 1941," said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. "Today, Jeep SUVs continue to deliver 4x4 leadership, as well as fuel efficiency, world-class craftsmanship and premium on-road dynamics.

2018 Jeep Wrangler spied looking more aerodynamic

We're getting an early look at one of the most anticipated vehicles from Jeep: the next-generation Wrangler. We expect it to arrive for the 2018 model year and be aluminum-intensive for purposes of weight savings, which will improve fuel economy. The platform is expected to remain a traditional body-on-frame setup, and manufacturing will remain at its longtime Toledo, OH, factory. The design appears true to the Wrangler's heritage, though the windshield is raked back more to make it less brick-like when cutting through the air. From some angles, the front end appears longer if you squint properly, and the front fenders seem wider and squatter than the current model's. There's probably more in store for the new Jeep, but this prototype is under such heavy cladding it's impossible to tell what. Kudos to the folks who make those vinyl coverings. Look for the powertrain to again include a Pentastar V6, this time paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission – again for fuel economy, but also to improve the powertrain's flexibility. A V6 turbo diesel and a mild- hybrid variant are also expected. Even with all these departures from the long-running Wrangler playbook, the off-road capability will remain the vehicle's calling card. The current Wrangler will also be built concurrently with this next-gen model for a time in Toledo, Automotive News reports, giving enthusiasts and traditionalists the best of both worlds. Jeep will also add a pickup based on the Wrangler's underpinnings to its portfolio in a move to capitalize on the resurgence of smaller trucks. The Wrangler is both the halo and centerpiece of the remade Jeep lineup, which quickly is becoming one of Fiat Chrysler's pillars for sales and prestige around the world. Jeep hopes to sell 2 million vehicles globally by 2018. Related Video:

Texan finds creative way to clear highway fast lane

Few things are as infuriating as someone driving slow in the fast lane. A Jeep driver from Texas found himself in just such a predicament near Fort Worth, and came up with a creative way to urge the offending lane-blocker to get a move on. Machine, a YouTuber and off-road enthusiast from the Lone Star State, posted some dashcam footage to his account back in March which showed him stuck behind a slow driver. He was attempting to pass a slow-moving bobtail Peterbilt tractor when he got hung up by a white Ford Econoline squatting in the passing lane. On his YouTube page, Machine stated that the van, which apparently belonged to a plumbing company, was traveling along between 60 and 70 miles per hour along a stretch of highway with a stated speed limit of 70 mph. Confronted with the slow-moving van blocking the left lane, and traffic in the right lane, Machine called the number on the back of the Econoline and politely asked him to get out of the way. In the Econoline, the passenger picked up and was momentarily confused as Machine asked him to ask his driver to move out of the lane and let traffic pass. The van sped up, passed a tractor-trailer, and got out of the way, much to the relief of the traffic behind him. According to CBS news, 38 states have laws on the books to punish slow drivers squatting in the passing lane. In five of those states, the fine is upwards of $1000, and 22 states classify it as a misdemeanor. Related Video: News Source: YouTube, CBS News Auto News Humor Weird Car News Ford Jeep Driving Safety Minivan/Van SUV Commercial Vehicles wrangler passing lane