Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Jeep Wrangler Islander and Mountain Limited Edition Specials to Debut at Detroit Show


A pair of limited edition Jeep Wrangler models named Islander and Mountain will make their premiere at next week's Detroit Auto Show. Starting from the Islander special, which is available on the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models, buyers have the choice of four different exterior colors including the unique Surf Blue Pearl Coat, Stone White Clear Coat, Bright Sliver Metallic Clear Coat and Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat.

Exterior highlights include an Islander "Tiki Bob" decal on the hood, blackside steps and Moab 17-inch wheels wrapped in 32-inch tires.
Inside, the Wrangler Islanders get seats in dark gray with Surf Blue inserts, blue stitching and an embroidered Islander "Tiki Bob" logo. Blue stitching has also been added to the leather-wrapped steering wheel while the Mopar rubber floor mats complete the list of upgrades.
The Wrangler Islander option package is priced at $1,120.
Moving on to the Mountain edition, it is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is offered on both the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4x4 models.
On the outside, special features include a unique "Mountain" decal on the hood, painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliqués; tubular side steps; 32-inch tires; black tail lamp guards; and a Mopar fuel-filler door.
Interior upgrades are limited to the embossed seat inserts and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.
Available exterior colors include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat with the Mountain package priced at $1,820.




SEMA '09: Mopar Jeep Wrangler Lower Forty "BigFoot" with Massive 40-inch Tires and HEMI V8


Taking the latest generation Jeep Wrangler to a new extreme, Mopar has designed the uber-impressive "Lower Forty" concept for this year's SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The crazy Wrangler Lower Forty rides on massive 40 x 13.5-inch tires mounted on Mopar's 20-inch forged-aluminum wheels while power comes from a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine coupled to a Getrag 238 six-speed manual gearbox. The Mopar-supplied Dana 44 front axle and a Dana 60 rear axle, fitted with 5.38 gears and ARB air lockers complete the mechanical upgrades.
In order to fit the massive wheels on the Wrangler Rubicon without using a suspension air lift, Mopar's team created custom front and rear fender flares that are 1-inch wider and are located 4 inches higher than on the stock model.
Other exterior modifications include the chopped windshield frame that gets a 10-degree rake, a one-piece carbon-fiber hood with a Jeep CJ-like power dome and an all-new drop-down tailgate stamped with the "Jeep" logo.
The Lower Forty also gets a roll cage that is tied directly into the frame rails, a color-matched center console and instrument panel and two-tone Katzkin leather seats while the carpet has been replaced with spray-in truck-bed liner.



Fiat Panda 4x4: The new JEEP MINI...

The Fiat Panda has been mentioned as one of the cars coming to the US. The interesting thing is the name of the Panda was listed as the Jeep Panda in a deposition filed in a US Bankruptcy Court. Could this be the next Jeep Mini?

Below is some information on the current Panda 4x4.


Fiat Panda 4x4


Panda 4x4. A unique car. Elegant, bold and smart looking, it combines Panda styling with the character of an off-road vehicle. The compact line of the vehicle’s exterior, characterized by the vertically arranged rear light clusters and the originally styled side windows, is mated to the commanding all-road attitude, that enables Panda 4x4 to be tough enough when things get rough. Specially designed bumpers with guards, side moldings, reinforced tails and carryall bars endow it with the look of a veritable off-roader.



Fiat Panda cross section


Fiat Panda dashboard

The cockpit, wide and luminous, is cheerful and attractive, thanks to the colored fabrics, the innovative materials and the chromatic contrast created by the controls, featuring a darker shade of color. Significant details include the facia, housing the main controls and the gearshift for maximum driving comfort, the commanding driver seat, ensuring optimal visibility and accessibility, and the door panels fitted with big pockets for odds and ends, a comfortable armrest with a big handle.







The Fiat Panda 4x4 in action



Panda 4x4 Cross. Strong personality and an appealingly ‘aggressive’ character. The Panda 4x4 Cross stands out for the protective body side moldings and carrier bars for an ‘all-terrain look’, enhanced by the driver’s high seat position, fenders with protective shields, bump strips, and oversize headlights. The under body shield protects the car’s mechanical elements and emphasis's the car’s off-road credentials. Standard 15” alloys complete the ‘strong’ appeal of the Panda Cross.