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New 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited Feature All-new Interior and Premium, Body-color, Removable Hard Top

Chrysler Group released images today of the new 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. Jeep continues to refine the successful Wrangler formula by combining its legendary, benchmark capability with an all-new interior that delivers rich styling with significantly upgraded touch surfaces, occupant comfort and versatility, and a premium appearance courtesy of an all-new body-color hard top for the popular Sahara model.

“The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “While retaining unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience and versatility features. In addition, Sahara models now feature a stunning, all-new body-color hard top, for customers looking for a Jeep Wrangler with a more premium appearance.”

New 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior highlights include a redesigned instrument panel and new storage areas with improved ergonomics and upgraded materials. A new lockable console and upgraded door armrest areas boast comfortable touch points, while a redesigned center stack is easier to reach and operate. Heated, power mirrors are now available, and drivers and passengers will enjoy enhanced visibility courtesy of larger rear windows.

All-new steering-wheel controls allow the driver to operate the radio, cruise control, hands-free phone and other vehicle functions while keeping hands on the wheel. A new USB device interface connects to storage devices (thumb drives and most MP3 players) for use with the vehicle’s Media Center, which now includes streaming Bluetooth audio. Twelve-volt accessory outlets have been added and a new 110-volt outlet is available to provide power similar to AC outlets in the home.

In line with traditional Jeep design, hex-head bolts are utilized throughout the interior, and are used to mount a “Jeep, Since 1941″ inlay onto the new passenger grab handle. Read the rest of this entry »

The Jeep brand today announced the launch of TripCast, an easy-to-use, free, iPhone app and Web site that enables consumers to plan a trip, share an electronic scrapbook of the adventure and upload photos, video, audio clips and status updates to Facebook and Twitter.

The application allows family and friends to follow a traveler’s trip in real time via the Web or an iPhone. Also included in the application is a “Points of Adventure” function which offers those looking for their next adventure more than 250,000 outdoor recreation spots in the United States.

“TripCast enables everyone with a sense of adventure to plan a trip, share it with friends as their journey unfolds, and find new spots to explore,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “This new app is perfect for Jeep fans, and anyone who enjoys getting out, having fun, and sharing that fun with friends. It also provides us with a unique way to connect with a wide array of consumers, exposing them to the unique Jeep lifestyle along the way.”

TripCast is free to consumers and is compatible with 3G, 3GS and 4G iPhones. Family and friends are able to follow traveler’s trips and download the app via jeeptripcast.com.

Key features of the TripCast app include:

– Web and mobile interface
– Track your Path – Enables the user to track their path in real time
– Share with Friends – Determine what and how much of a trip to share via the Public, Invite and Private settings
– The Public setting shares information with everyone; Invite allows the user to invite friends to follow the trip and the Private setting allows only the user to view the information
– TripCast also notifies users when a friend is in the area and can coordinate a chat
– Post your Finds – Photos, video, audio and text can be posted and shared with friends and all content can be viewed “on location” on a map in real-time
– Trip is downloadable via Google Earth as well
– Points of Adventure – Discover new spots with more than 250,000 outdoor recreation locations by category including parks, bike paths, camping, ski resorts and more
– Create playlists and listen to music while using the app
– Create a personal user profile and customizable Jeep avatar
– Save and view personal or friends’ trips, in real time or for later, on the Web and iPhone

TripCast can be downloaded free beginning today from the TripCast Web site, www.jeeptripcast.com or from the iTunes App Store using “Jeep” or “Trip” as search words.

The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a symbol of the new Chrysler Group and the first all-new vehicle to come during the alliance with Fiat SpA. The first advertising spot for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, scheduled to air Friday, June 11, takes viewers through a time when America was known for craftsmanship, quality and personal pride – something that has been missing in this country and the automotive industry, until now.

The new spot is the first phase of the marketing and advertising launch for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which arrives in showrooms later this month.

“With this new campaign, the Jeep brand celebrates the best of American manufacturing and engineering,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The new Grand Cherokee marketing and advertising campaign has been carefully designed to communicate the Jeep brand’s commitment to American craftsmanship, the return of personal pride and dedication to producing a vehicle that is truly well-made and beautifully designed.”

The creative campaign was developed by Portland, Ore.-based Wieden+Kennedy and delivers a new tagline for the Jeep brand – “The things we make, make us.”

The new tagline represents the return of American craftsmanship and quality as well as the energy, focus and commitment that goes in to each new Jeep-branded vehicle, especially the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

“The Jeep Grand Cherokee advertising campaign reminisces upon a time when America was known for its craftsmanship and there was a sense of personal pride in creating a quality product,” said Oliver Francois, Lead Marketing Executive, Chrysler Group LLC. “Chrysler Group has made a radical change in the way it functions and creates products and, it is very apparent in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The campaign is the company’s way of making it clear to our current and potential customers that we have that personal pride back and we are creating quality products. The entire company is excited about this vehicle and we want to share that excitement with everyone.”

The second phase of the marketing and advertising campaign, scheduled to launch this summer, will begin to introduce the features and highlights of the vehicle.

The All-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Nearly two decades ago, Jeep invented the premium sport-utility vehicle segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. More than four million sales later, Jeep delivers an all-new Grand Cherokee that balances legendary Jeep capability with improved, sophisticated on-road dynamics that deliver a premium driving experience.

Capability highlights include a choice of three 4×4 systems, new Jeep Quadra-Lift(TM) Air Suspension and Selec-Terrain systems, and towing capability of 7,400 lbs. On-road dynamics are improved courtesy of new independent front and rear suspension systems and a new body structure that dramatically increases torsional stiffness for reduced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels.

The design of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts an all-new sculpted body and athletic profile that define a sleek exterior and aerodynamic finesse. CommandView® – a new dual-pane panoramic sun roof – extends from the windshield to the rear of the vehicle. A world-class interior design is highlighted by premium soft-touch interior materials for all models. The interior provides consumers with more than four inches of increased rear-seat knee and leg room, and 17 percent more cargo volume.

Chrysler Group’s all-new 290-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine boasts an 11 percent improvement in fuel economy for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, delivering up to 23 mpg and over 500 miles on one tank of gas. The all-new flexible-fuel engine is standard on the Grand Cherokee, and features Variable-valve Timing (VVT), double overhead camshafts and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration.

More than 45 safety and security features are available in the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including standard Active Head Restraints, full-length side-curtain and seat-mounted side thorax air bags, Electronic Stability Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill-start Assist, and Trailer-sway Control. A Blind-spot/Rear Cross-path detection system and Adaptive Cruise Control with Forward Collision Warning are available.

Numerous advanced technology features are offered, including live mobile TV (FLO TV), SIRIUS Backseat TV and UConnect(TM) Web, which transforms the vehicle into a “hot spot” to deliver the Internet directly to the vehicle. The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available in 3 models: Laredo, Limited and Overland.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4×2 pricing starts at $30,995 – $495 lower than the outgoing model. Laredo 4×4 pricing starts at $32,995 – $465 lower than the outgoing model.

The Jeep® brand is bringing Camp Jeep, a unique driving experience, to consumers attending the 2010 New York International Auto Show, April 2 – April 11 at the Jacob Javits Center.

Camp Jeep is the ultimate outdoor auto show off-road driving test. The 25,000-square foot exhibit will give auto show attendees a chance to experience the extreme on- and off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles without leaving the Javits Center.

“We have created this unique auto show opportunity to provide our customers with a memorable experience that no other manufacturer can offer,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The iconic Jeep brand offers an adventurous lifestyle and vehicles that deliver legendary 4×4 capability. Attendees will enjoy the Jeep experience first-hand on the show floor beginning this weekend.”

The course will be comprised of several obstacles that simulate some of the rigorous testing that Jeep vehicles endure before customers get behind the wheel. This provides consumers a first-hand look at the capability standards of Jeep vehicles for Ground Clearance, Traction, Stability, Articulation and Suspension.

Product specialists will chauffeur participants in Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited and Liberty models over a variety of surfaces, as well as an 18-foot mobile mountain and a 12 x 15-foot section of terrain simulating fallen logs measuring 18 inches in diameter. Attendees will also experience the adrenaline rush of looking nearly straight up or straight down as they navigate a 30-degree wedge to demonstrate the vehicle’s body articulation. Each ride is about five minutes long.

The New York International Auto Show opens to the public on April 2. Hours for the show are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The Jeep brand first introduced this innovative driving experience at the New York Auto Show in 2004. It has since appeared at numerous auto shows – including New York – throughout the country. Since its inception, more than a half million people have participated in a Camp Jeep test drive.

Jeep brand

Built on nearly 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full-line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup includes the Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all seven Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

The 2010 Jeep Wrangler has earned the “Best New Car for Off-Roaders” Lifestyle Award from Cars.com.

In recognizing the 2010 Jeep Wrangler, Cars.com noted, “The legendary Jeep Wrangler tops our Off-Roaders picks again this year. … Long on capability, the scrappy Wrangler Rubicon has 10.5 inches of ground clearance, as well as approach, departure and breakover angles its competitors can only envy. When the shortest distance between two points is an obstructed straight line, you’ll want to be in a Wrangler.”

“This prestigious award from Cars.com reinforces Jeep Wrangler’s position as the benchmark off-road vehicle on the planet,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “It comes at an especially exciting time for customers looking for the ultimate off-roader, as Wrangler was recently named the Best 4×4 Vehicle of the Decade by Four Wheeler magazine, and as Jeep is introducing two all-new Wrangler models at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.”

Beyond ultimate capability, Jeep Wrangler offers a combination of numerous safety and convenience features, interior space, versatility and comfort, on-road refinement, and open-air fun as the only true 4×4 convertible.

At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Jeep is introducing two limited-edition models: the Jeep Wrangler Islander and Jeep Wrangler Mountain editions.

Jeep Wrangler Islander
After more than 20 years, the unique Islander theme returns to Jeep.

The limited-edition Jeep Wrangler Islander is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models. Based on the Wrangler Sport model, the Islander’s unique beach theme conveys open-air fun at first and every glance.

Jeep Wrangler Islander is featured in unique Surf Blue Pearl Coat, and is also available in Stone White Clear Coat, Bright Sliver Metallic Clear Coat and Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat.

Other exterior features include an Islander “Tiki Bob” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the “Islander” theme of the vehicle, black side steps and popular Moab 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires.

Inside, Islander’s seats are Dark Gray with Surf Blue inserts, blue stitching and an embroidered Islander “Tiki Bob” logo adorning the seat back. Blue stitching also has been added to the leather-wrapped steering wheel, with Mopar® rubber floor mats completing the beach theme.

The Jeep Wrangler Islander option package is available at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,120.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain

Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand’s reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models.

Exterior features include a unique “Mountain” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the “Mountain” theme of the vehicle; painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliques; tubular side steps; 32-inch tires; black tail lamp guards; and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.

Available exterior colors include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.

Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered “Mountain” logo, and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $1,820.

Jeep Wrangler accolades from Four Wheeler magazine editors Editors at Four Wheeler magazine recently named the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as the Best 4×4 Vehicle of the Decade, and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon as the Most Significant 4×4 vehicle.

In referring to the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Four Wheeler magazine editor Sean Holman said the decision to produce a four-door Wrangler “will probably go down in history as one of the smartest product moves any automotive company has ever made… pure genius, opening up the sport of ‘Jeeping’ to families.”

Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The two-door Jeep Wrangler remains true to its heritage as the original, extreme fun-and-freedom machine and is the only 4×4 with multiple open-air options.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the only four-door open-air SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers and is extremely popular with customers who want a Jeep Wrangler, but need additional space and versatility.

Standard on both models is the innovative Sunrider® soft top, which includes a sun roof in addition to the full top-down option. Wrangler’s available Freedom Top,® a three-piece modular hard top, features three panels – left and right front-passenger panels and a rear panel – providing more options for open-air driving. Either top may be completely removed for a complete open-air experience.

Source: Chrysler Group LLC

New Jeep vehicles to debut at 2010 North American International Auto Show

• Liberty Renegade boasts classic Jeep® design, a premium, rugged appearance and numerous standard features that deliver renowned Jeep capability
• Liberty Renegade positioned between Sport and Limited models; available in Jeep showrooms first quarter 2010
• Jeep Wrangler Islander theme returns after 20-year hiatus, delivering unique fun-and-freedom package; available in Jeep showrooms first quarter 2010
• Available second quarter 2010, Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition boasts rugged outdoor theme, with 32-inch tires and unique wheel, grille and bumper appliques
• Limited-edition Islander and Mountain packages available on two-door Jeep Wrangler and four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models

The Jeep® brand is broadening its vehicle lineup with the introduction of three new rugged, versatile and innovative vehicles that deliver classic Jeep design and capability.

The new 2010 Jeep Liberty Renegade boasts a new premium, rugged appearance with standard class-leading capability features, while the Jeep Wrangler lineup is expanded with unique limited-edition models – Jeep Wrangler Islander and Jeep Wrangler Mountain – that deliver high-impact visual appeal with outdoor fun-and-freedom themes.

“While clearly appealing to our core customers, these three new Jeep models will attract new customers to the Jeep dealer showroom,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “The new Liberty Renegade delivers renowned Jeep capability and an array of standard features in a stunning new rugged, premium design, while both Wrangler models expand the iconic anchor of the Jeep brand with unique, limited-edition versions that consumers have told us they want.”

The new Jeep Liberty Renegade and Jeep Wrangler Islander edition will be available in Jeep showrooms in the first quarter of 2010. The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition will follow in the second quarter.

Jeep Liberty Renegade

The “Renegade” name returns to the Jeep® lineup for 2010. First used in 1964 on the inside door opening of the Jeep Wagoneer, the Renegade has always represented the rebellious heart and soul of the Jeep brand.

Positioned between Liberty’s Sport and Limited models, the new Jeep Liberty Renegade expands the Jeep Liberty lineup, delivering renowned capability – highlighted by Jeep’s Selec-Trac® II full-time, shift-on-the-fly, active four-wheel-drive system – in a unique, premium and rugged new design.

Jeep Liberty Renegade is offered in a new, Renegade-exclusive Salsa Red Pearl Coat exterior, as well as Natural Green Pearl Coat, Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Stone White Clear Coat.

Standard Liberty Renegade exterior features include painted Mineral Gray Keystone 16-inch wheels that wear new, rugged all-terrain P235/70R16 outline white letter (OWL); dark neutral metallic wheel flares, lower side sills, front and rear fascia, body side moldings and rear license plate bar; black headlamp bezel; Argent Silver accent on the lower fascia applique and roof rack; Satin Black vinyl hood graphics; deep-tint glass; fog lamps; skid plates and tow hooks.

Inside, standard appointments include new premium cloth seats; leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, instrument panel grab handle and park-brake boot; new driftwood accent bezels; leather-wrapped center console and soft-door armrests; premium Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC); cruise control; security alarm; rear cargo cover and steering-wheel-mounted radio controls.

Jeep Liberty Renegade’s standard Selec-Trac II active four-wheel-drive system offers customers the benefit of a fully electronic two-speed active transfer case and Brake-traction Control System (BTCS). It instantly anticipates wheel slip and redirects torque accordingly, which is ideal for off-roading or when driving in inclement weather.

This premium system offers a “4WD Auto” mode that is ideal for full-time driving. When in 4WD Auto mode, the system uses vehicle sensors to adjust and redirect torque between front and rear axles based on real-time driving conditions, providing the vehicle with responsive tractive performance.

For added capability when traversing steep grades, rough terrain or extremely poor traction surfaces, the transfer case includes a “4WD Low” mode. This second-speed gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times and locks the clutch pack for maximum traction.

Electric shifting between 2WD, 4WD Auto and 4WD Low is accomplished with a console-mounted switch. A push-pin button is used to shift to Neutral mode.

A 3.7-liter V-6 engine is standard on all Jeep Liberty models, including the new Renegade. The 3.7-liter engine produces 210 horsepower (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N*m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm.

All Jeep Liberty models offer customers an “only-in-a-Jeep” open-air experience, courtesy of Jeep’s industry-exclusive Sky Slider(TM) full-length open-canvas roof.

Jeep Wrangler Islander

After more than 20 years, the unique Islander theme returns to Jeep.

The limited-edition Jeep Wrangler Islander is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models. Based on the Wrangler Sport model, the Islander’s unique beach theme conveys open-air fun at first and every glance.

Jeep Wrangler Islander is featured in unique Surf Blue Pearl Coat, and is also available in Stone White Clear Coat, Bright Sliver Metallic Clear Coat and Brilliant Black Crystal Clear Coat.

Other exterior features include an Islander “Tiki Bob” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the “Islander” theme of the vehicle, blackside steps and popular Moab 17-inch wheels shod with 32-inch tires.

Inside, Islander’s seats are Dark Gray with Surf Blue inserts, blue stitching and an embroidered Islander “Tiki Bob” logo adorning the seat back. Blue stitching also has been added to the leather-wrapped steering wheel, with Mopar® rubber floor mats completing the beach theme.

The Jeep Wrangler Islander option package is available at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,120.

Jeep Wrangler Mountain

Further expanding the iconic Wrangler brand’s reach, Jeep delivers another high-impact, limited-edition model with the Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S package, and is available on Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 models.

Exterior features include a unique “Mountain” decal on the hood with latitude and longitude coordinates that represent an actual location relating to the “Mountain” theme of the vehicle; painted high-gloss Mineral Gray 17-inch Moab wheels, grille and bumper appliques; tubular side steps; 32-inch tires; black tail lamp guards; and a fuel-filler door from Mopar.

Available exterior colors include Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat and Deep Water Blue Pearl Coat.

Interior features include an embossed seat insert with embroidered “Mountain logo,” and anodized graphite heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) rings.

The Jeep Wrangler Mountain option package will be available at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $1,820.

Source: Chrysler Group LLC