Saturday, March 27, 2010

Range Rover Sport

The 2010 Range Rover Sport builds on its predecessor's impeccable pedigree, and now comes with two new powerplants, a 375 horsepower LR-V8 5.0 liter, naturally aspirated engine, as well as a supercharged version that puts out a mammoth 510 horsepower! In India, you have the option of the 3.0 liter V6 diesel and the 5.0 liter supercharged petrol. And believe me, 510bhp in car such as this, or any car for that matter, is a lot!
These engines were developed in conjunction with Jaguar, and are touted to be lighter and more efficient than the previous generation units. The new naturally aspirated RR Sport can hit 100km/h in a very spritely 7.4 seconds, while the supercharged variant takes just 6.0 seconds - Sport indeed. Both LR-V8 engines are mated to the ZF HP28 six- speed automatic transmission.
This time, we got a chance to sample the naturally aspirated version of the new Range Rover Sport - driving it from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and back, with a mild off-road excursion at a beach on California's glorious Pacific coast.
In terms of styling, the 2010 Range Rover Sport retains the earlier versions clean cut design, The 2010 update does, however, include LED headlamps, combined with a new two-bar grille, revised front bumpers and widened fenders. At the rear, new light clusters, and a revised bumper design mirror the smoother front-end. With its muscular squat stance, the Range Rover Sport certainly has great road presence, and looks just as purposeful whether it's cruising on Hollywood Boulevard or playing in the sand.
According to the company, the interiors have been redesigned using higher quality materials and soft-touch finishes to create an environment that's 'truly worthy of the Range Rover brand: With infinitely adjustable leather seats, tactile, well laid out switches, the interiors of the Range Rover Sport are truly fantastic,and arguably better than most other luxury SUV's on the road today. In fact, the redesign does bring the cabin of the Sport much more in line with its ultra luxurious bigger brother - the original Range. Special mention, also, must be made of the Harmon Kardon surround sound system that boasts 480 watts of power. Its 14 individual speakers produce a dramatic 3D effect from a iz-channel digitally controlled amplifier that makes for outstanding acoustics.
The Sport has a new virtual instrument panel that has the latest Thin-Film- Transistor (TFT) LCD technology that provides exceptional clarity of driver information. Key information found in the instrument cluster includes air suspension height settings, hill descent control and speed settings, as well as Hi/Lo gear ratio selection. The new display certainly makes vehicle data more accessible and easier to read for the driver.
Range Rovers have always been known for their off-road ability. In the new model, the famed Terrain Response system boasts a series of improvements - including improved performance when tackling challenging terrain like sand or large rocks. For soft sand conditions, a 'sand launch control' mode makes for a noticeably easier drive-away. New, speed- dependent wheel-slip targets for the traction control system permit only very limited initial wheel-slip - helping to prevent the wheels digging down into the sand. The system also has an improved rock crawl program for better control while traversing boulders or driving through rocky terrain.
You really have to experience the effortless off-road ability of these vehicles to truly believe it. This particular Range Rover Sport wasn't able to show its full off-road potential however, as it was hampered by massive rims and low profile tarmac tires, which prevented us from taking the Sport into the larger dunes - so we rented some ATV's, and went dune bashing with those instead.
The on-road biased rubber aside, the Sport has an Integrated Body Frame (IBF) chassis that provides the best of both worlds - the strength of a ladder frame chassis, allowing it true off-road capability, as well as the rigidity of a monocoque, giving it good on-road manners. On the road, the new 375 horsepower V8 engine is smooth, and has plenty of torque, which makes for brisk acceleration. This naturally aspirated engine is just 15 horsepower shy of the previous editions supercharged powerplant. And yet, this engine is more efficient than the supercharged car that we tested last year - nonetheless, we could only manage 18 mpg (8 kmpl), which makes for frequent stops at the pump on a long journey. Nevertheless, on long drives, the Sport is an effortless cruiser - the gearing is perfect, and the engine has enough power in reserve to blitz past slower traffic. The extensive use of aluminum in the engine, transmission case, and body panels reduces weight up front and ensures that the car excels, beyond belief, on tight twisting roads - where it feels light and agile. Steering response also is improved on the Range Rover Sport with the stiffening of the front suspension lower arm forward bushing - enhancing the sense of driver involvement at higher speeds.
With its new powerplant, and subtle interior and exterior enhancements, the new Range Rover Sport builds on the previous cars' inherent strengths to offer an even more luxurious and powerful, yet efficient, package.
The new engine is so capable that it becomes hard to justify spending the extra moolah to go in for the supercharged version,which begs the obvious question-why isn't the naturally aspirated 5.0 litre available in india? Nevertheless, with its impeccable looks, the Range Sport has immense road presence and commands respect.Plus the car's versatile and equipped for anything you can throw its way.
And with Jaguar Land Rover sales on the upswing,it seems that Tata motors has reason to smile once again.Moreover,it appears that the initials fears,held by some detractors,that JLR products won't be able to incorporate the latest technology under Indian ownership have been proven completely unfounded by this desirable and modern SUV.Put simply,it's now even more brilliant on-road,and still exceptional off-road as well.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Jeep Commander

The Jeep Commander marks Jeep's entrance into the "large" SUV segment. New for 2006, the Jeep Commander combined Jeep's historically rugged construction and off-road abilities with a larger package capable of seating 7 adults thanks to a third row of seats. 2006 Jeep Commander
Big and boxy, the Jeep Commander's styling flies in the face of more streamlined offerings. Though many who purchase the Commander will be doing so because of it's family-friendly accomodations, they'll be getting the best Jeep offers in terms of technology and offroad-proven components.
Built with the same attention to detail and quality control as the Grand Cherokee, the Jeep Commander has a unique two-tone instrument panel. The Commander remains quintessentially Jeep in appearance from the 4-dial main gauge cluster and steering wheel to the gear shift knob.
The front seats are new designs which offer excellent support and comfort. And, for the first time ever, there are three rows of seats - though using the third row seriously
Jeep Commander interior
decreases cargo space. Thankfully for your passengers, Jeep follows a long tradition used by Land Rover and now offers stadium-style seating in the Commander. This allows all passengers a better view forward. By folding the 2nd and 3rd row seats flat, Jeep has allowed the creation of a flat load floor. Jeep Commander rear compartment
With all this extra room inside, you'd be forgiven for thinking the Commander is a much larger vehicle on the outside. Truth is, though, it's only 2 inches longer than a 2005 MY Grand Cherokee. This means that 99% of the Grand Cherokee's offroad abilities carry over to the Commander. In fact, they even share the same 109.5 inch wheelbase.
The Jeep Commander’s unique stepped roof design allows rear seat passengers plenty of head room. Part of a package, and complementing the available front-mounted sun roof is Command-View™. These new and innovative skylights (complete with shades) are located over the second row of seats and are an interesting take on, again, an old Land Rover design touch.

Yes, the Jeep Commander earned the Trail Rated badge

 
Given the Commander is a Jeep, there were certain design characteristics that were mandatory. Class-leading off-road capability and on-road refinement were at the top of the list. The Commander is equipped with the same 4x4 systems, suspension and powertrains as the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including an independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering. Also available on Commander are: Jeep Commander off road
* Three full-time four-wheel drive systems, Quadra-Trac I®, Quadra-Trac II® and Quadra-Drive II®
* Two transfer cases offering Brake Traction Control System (BTCS), and Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) for best-in-class tractive performance
* Three available engines: the 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 with the Multi-Displacement System, the 4.7-liter SOHC Power Tech V-8, and the 3.7-liter SOHC Power Tech V-6 engine

Having driven a top-of-the-line Commander with the 5.7 Hemi V8, I can honestly say this is a great rig. Driven in anger with a full-load of passnegers it can quickly empty a tank of fuel, but the Commander manages the task calmly and with ease - the only penalty being fuel economy.
Your passengers won't really notice much, since they'll likely be watching the built-in DVD system or marvelling at the sky through the sky-lights.
We loaded the Commander with 7 full-size guys to see if everyone would survive some real-world, around-town driving. No issues at all - everyone was comfortable and entry and exit to the third row of seats was about as good as could be expected.
The view forward from the driver's seat is worth the price of admission alone. This truck is aptly named - the view from the Commander is, well, commanding.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Warrior Jeep - Help a hero, win a Jeep.


Warrior Jeep
This past February the Arkansas Crawlers wanted to come up with a charity project. They discussed alot of differant ideas but ended up deciding to build a Jeep (of course), raffle it off with everything going to the Wounded Warrior Project. Ticket price will be around $25.00 and completely tax deductible. 100% of the proceeds go to Wounded Warrior Project.
The Wounded Warrior Project was founded on the principle that veterans are our nation’s greatest citizens. The Wounded Warrior Project seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. Many of the injuries are traumatic amputations, gunshot wounds, burns and blast injuries that will retire these brave warriors from military service.
Bret Lovett the owner and CEO of Superlift Suspension Systems really thought that this was a great project and has taken it to an extraordinary level with the donation of a 2007 JK Rubicon Unlimited to be fully customized. This vehicle will be released at SEMA this year in the Chrysler booth then will travel with the Superlift Truck to over 20 events over the next year. Specs and photo links after the break. 

Jeep Patriot SEMA Vehicle

Definitely not my favorite Jeep to come out of SEMA, nor the most noteworthy, but I felt this little rig should at least get a mention since it will be joining its other Jeep bretheren on dealer lots soon. The kinda sad part is that to look like this, they put a 2.5” lift on it (on a JK, that’ll fit you 35’s)...

Jeep Patriot

Specs after the jump. Jeep® Patriot
Builders: Chrysler Tech Center Vehicle Build Shops. (who??)
Trail-rated and designed to maximize the capability of the most off-road worthy vehicle in its class. Custom suspension lift raises the suspension 2.5 inches over stock-ride height and provides over 11 inches of ground clearance – to make way for the 31-inch BFG Mud Terrain tires on 16-inch Jeep Moab rims supplied by Prime Wheel. The front fascia is replaced by a custom steel bumper designed to protect the front end while allowing for as much tire exposure as possible. Custom roof rack ensures there’s plenty of storage for any occasion. Auxiliary lighting brightens any dark trails.

Jeep Patriot

Jeep Patriot

Friday, March 12, 2010

The Jeep Patriot 2.4L World Engine


The Jeep Patriot comes standard with the 2.4L 4-cylinder world engine. This powerplant was developed by GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance), a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. The ambitious objective of the alliance was to develop engines that could meet both aggressive performance and fuel efficiency targets. These goals were met through sophisticated cylinder head port and intake manifold design.

These technologies include dual Variable Valve Timing (VVT) and intake manifold design with flow control valves — technologies currently found only on more expensive performance and luxury engines in the American market. The horsepower and torque targets for the 2.4L world engine are among the best for four-cylinder engines – 170 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque.
Because fuel economy is a key factor in the four-cylinder market, the world engines are targeted to raise efficiency 5 percent over the engines they replace. These technologies also enable the engine to meet the ultra-clean ULEV II emissions standards.
GEMA set a high standard for sound quality and minimal noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). To meet these targets, engineers addressed NVH through several unique measures, including an isolated valve cover and a damped oil pan to reduce sound at the top and bottom of the engine.
GEMA has also produced a 1.8L and a 2.0L world engines. The 2.0L is offered as an option with the 2007 Jeep Patriot.

Monday, March 1, 2010

Grand Wagoneer Parts

Welcome to Team Grand Wagoneer. We are dedicated to serving the needs of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer customer as well as the Full Size Jeep community which includes the Jeep J-10 & J-20 Trucks, the Full Size Jeep Cherokee & Cherokee Chiefs.

In the last year, Team Grand Wagoneer has grown to be the largest inventory of Jeep Grand Wagoneer parts and Full Size Jeep parts in the U.S.

Since we continue to add more Grand Wagoneer and Full Size Jeep parts weekly – and even daily – we have added a recently added parts section, along with a featured parts section. You can see all the new Classic Jeep parts that we have added without looking through the whole Web site.

We did this so if you watch our Web site daily, you do not have to navigate through all the pages of Jeep parts. This will make it much easier for our best customers to keep track of all our new Classic Grand Wagoneer parts and Full Size Jeep parts we add.

As there are other Jeep Web sites that sell Grand Wagoneer parts, we feel that you will find our Web site easier to navigate and easier to purchase our Full Size Jeep parts and Grand Wagoneer parts on our secure shopping cart pages. We try to give our customers the best pictures as well as the best descriptions of our Grand Wagoneer parts and Full Size Jeep parts.

The staff at Team Grand Wagoneer has many years of Jeep experience and will be happy and able to answer most all of your questions.

We also have added a Customers' Jeeps section on our Web site to show off our loyal customers' favorite Full Size Jeeps. Please include your name, city, state and year and model of your Woodie or Full Size Jeep. Be creative as far as where the picture is taken. All we ask is that you are a customer, and we will put as many Jeeps on the site as there are customers.

We would like to thank our customers and we will continue to build up our Web site to suit our customers' needs.