Jeep Wrangler power folding top kit

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:43:26 GMT

Jeep Wrangler power folding top kit

Considering how long the Jeep Wrangler has been in production, we're surprised that nobody thought of this sooner. The Jeep enthusiasts at Omix-Ada Inc. have designed what they're calling the world's first power folding soft top kit for the beloved Wrangler, which can be fitted to any 2007-2012 model year four-door model. (The company says a kit for the two-door Wrangler is expected to arrive later in 2012.)

The Rugged Ridge package comes complete with a vinyl top, power top frame, hydraulics, wiring harness and installation pack, and the top itself includes a zip-out, removable, tinted rear window. Omix-Ada says the whole kit comes ready to install with "no fuss or mess."

We can't help but notice that the top looks sort of flimsy during operation, but nevertheless, it's a neat aftermarket tweak to one of the most iconic off-roaders ever to grace our roads (and trails). We're not sure how well the hardcore purists will receive something like this, but there are plenty of people buying four-door Wranglers as lifestyle vehicles, too

[Source: Autoblog.com ]

Jeep considering diesels for the American market

David Walker, LeaseTrader.com — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:27:04 GMT

Jeep considering diesels for the American market

last week, Jeep unveiled a Mopar-modified Cherokee Overland. The safari-ready ute is actually a European market Jeep Liberty, right down to its 2.8-liter turbo diesel four-cylinder engine. The vehicle is only here for promotional purposes, but wouldn't it be nice to have a diesel option for Jeep buyers on this side of The Pond?

The Detroit Free Press reports that Jeep President and CEO Michael Manley couldn't agree more, but he'll need to provide a rock-solid business case to move forward with oil burners in the States. The Jeep CEO said diesels could enter the U.S. market in two or three years if that business case is made, adding "diesel applications in the larger vehicles probably make more sense then they do in the smaller ones, purely because of the cost of the powertrains and the treatments that are required."

Chrysler's off-road brand already features diesel powertrains in Europe, and 80 percent of all Jeeps sold there are of the oil-burning variety. Those engines are becoming cleaner all the time as well, and the newest Euro diesels could soon also meet emissions standards in the U.S. and Canada.

We're all for diesel-powered Jeeps, especially since the diesels tend to have similar fuel economy to a hybrid SUV, but with additional capability. And, hey... a Grand Cherokee with a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy doesn't sound like a bad thing, either.

Source: [Autoblog.com ]