Jeep Wrangler Sahara Hardtop on 2040-cars

Auto blog

The Jeep Wrangler is finally getting modern headlights for 2017

Some of Jeep's headlights leave a lot to be desired – namely light output. In particular, the halogen lamps on the Wrangler and Cherokee have been called out by the IIHS as among the worst on the market. Things should improve for 2017, as Jeep is addressing the sorry illumination by adding LED or HID headlight options for the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Renegade. Thank heavens (or, you know, the IIHS for upping its lighting requirements). In the Wrangler's case, the decision to develop an LED for a single model year of the JK before its replacement arrives – or two if you count the extended run of the current model alongside the new one – might seem strange, but we aren't complaining. The current headlights are one retro cue that sorely needed eradicating, plus this almost guarantees LEDs for the next-gen model. Any 2017 Wrangler can be equipped with the new LED headlights and fog lights – the LED lighting group will be optional on the Sport and Sport S, and standard on Sahara and Rubicon. The Cherokee is a slightly different story – HID headlights are currently optional on that model's Limited and High Altitude trims and standard on the range-topping Overland. Next year, the brighter, more focused lamps will be standard on everything but the base Sport model, where they'll be optional. For the wee Renegade, meanwhile, HIDs are a "late availability" option as part of the safety and security group on Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk trim levels. If you want a 2017 Renegade Sport with the better lights, though, you're out of luck. Jeep hasn't announced pricing for its 2017 offerings, so we don't know what sort of premium the LED and HID headlamps will add. We just know that whatever the price, it will be worth it. And you can bet each unit will have some sort of Easter egg Jeep design detail on it. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited View 14 Photos Related Gallery 2017 Jeep Cherokee View 54 Photos Related Gallery 2017 Jeep Renegade View 49 Photos News Source: JeepImage Credit: Jeep Jeep Crossover SUV Off-Road Vehicles headlights jeep renegade

Jeep Comanche Moab Concept: Hell yeah!

The moment I saw the Jeep Renegade I knew it was a winner, at least in terms of styling. The Renegade's "face" is exactly what small 21st-century Jeeps should look like. It has loads of Jeep's visual heritage DNA – important! – that has been brought up-to-date in the best possible way. (Now if only they could graft that face on to the new-ish Cherokee...). Where the Renegade falls short is what's under the skin. Thanks to misguided marketing, it is saddled with a rather unremarkable USA-spec 2.4L four, undersized tires, so-so ground clearance, an iffy 9-speed automatic, and a questionable (available) low range. I don't mind the independent suspension; in fact I embrace it, as IFS/IRS is the future in terms of off-road suspension design. So, for me, the Renegade is a close-but-no-cigar vehicle, at least as it currently stands. This new Comanche, however, shows how the Renegade can evolve; both as a 4-door SUV, and in terms of how spin-off models can be developed. Big beefy tires, flared out fenders, and great ground clearance are the main ingredients that make this work visually. Still wish for a 3.6L V6 under the hood, but the 2.0L diesel isn't a bad alternative. Anyway, I think a Comanche pickup makes more sense than the predicted Wrangler-based pickup. Why? I'm not big on retro-vehicles in general. Rarely do they survive long term. Besides, the Comanche would be far more civilized and livable. I could see this Comanche pickup as a daily driver much more so than a Wrangler-based pickup. Yeah, I like and value creature comforts over ultimate off-road ability. I think most pickup buyers would agree. Finally, while there is a large devoted Wrangler following who would love a Wrangler-based pickup, I bet this Renegade-based Comanche would bring more new customers into the Jeep tent – especially over a much wider age demographic. Related Video: Image Credit: FCA Jeep jeep comanche open road

Europe gets Jeep Wrangler Polar limited edition

Jeep will be bringing an all-new, limited-edition model to the European market called the Wrangler Polar. Based on the Wrangler Sahara and set to make its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Wrangler Polar sports new Hyrdro Blue paint, gloss black 18-inch wheels, a body-color hardtop, and the regular mix of Mopar styling accessories. Billet Silver Metallic and Bright White are available for those that don't dig the glossy blue, while a two-door variant will be available in addition to the four-door pictured above.
The Polar's interior features similar tweaks; Pearl White contrast stitching can be found on both the seats and steering wheel, while ceramic White bezels and other accents give a nice contrasting look to the cabin.
Underhood sits an engine that should make American Wrangler enthusiasts weep - a 2.8-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel. With 200 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque channeled through a five-speed automatic transmission, the Wrangler Polar should handle itself just fine on normal roads. British buyers will also be able to select the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. For rougher stuff, Dana axles can be found front and rear (Dana 30 up front and Dana 44 in back), while the Command-Trac four-wheel-drive system and its two-speed transfer case should be enough for when the roads disappear.