2018 Jeep Wrangler Spied with Rumored ‘True Three-Piece Hardtop’

The new Jeep Wrangler is rumored to have multiple roof options.

Spy photographers have caught a four-door Jeep Wrangler prototype testing what appears to be the rumored “true three-piece hardtop,” which would allow for the removal of the front two or all roof panels while keeping some pillars in place. There’s also the idea that the entire roof could be removed with the configuration.

Other roof options expected to head to the 2018 Jeep Wrangler include a hard glass roof, retractable fabric roof and the possible removal of the basic folding soft top.

The next-generation SUV is expected to get lighter with Jeep using some aluminum, but the body will still mostly be constructed from steel. Rumor has it that a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, called Hurricane, will be added to the Wrangler lineup as a more fuel-efficient engine. The popular Pentastar V6 engine will live on paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine could head to the U.S. There’s even the possibility of a hybrid powertrain being added to the lineup.

Look for more details later this year, as the 2018 Jeep Wrangler should debut in the coming months.

Read more and see more pictures at: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2017/03/2018-jeep-wrangler-spied-rumored-true-three-piece-hardtop.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Wranglerforum.com_breaking&utm_source=Wranglerforum.com20170308

OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY OF THE NEW 2017 JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON RECON

The legendary off-road icon is getting even more capability to tackle the most demanding trails — introducing the new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition.

Designed for improved off-road prowess with an upgraded front axle, enhanced rock rails and heavy-duty cast differential covers, the new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is equipped with even more protection for die-hard 4×4 enthusiasts who seek the most severe, rugged terrain. The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition also looks every part of a four-wheel-drive icon, with new exterior and interior enhancements and unique color options.

Performance Upgrades

Based on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition ups the off-road ante with a front axle upgrade that features strengthened tubes and heavy-duty end forgings, heavy-duty cast front and rear differential covers and enhanced off-road rock rails that are shortened to accommodate up to 35-inch tires.

Distinctive Design

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is one dominant 4×4 vehicle, and it comes complete with a toughened exterior appearance to match. A Low Gloss Black grille with Low Gloss Granite Crystal inserts and headlamp rings, Low Gloss Black off-road bumpers and Jeep badge with a red base add aggressive style. In addition, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition includes a distinctive half-inch lift, new 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 32-inch BF Goodrich KM off-road tires, optional body-color fender flares and a dual-vented Power Dome hood with a black-silhouette “Rubicon” decal on both sides. Finally, the winch-capable steel front bumper is equipped with removable end caps for climbing obstacles, while unique red tow hooks complete the rugged appearance.

Color Options

Covering the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition in mud is fun, sure. But you may want to wash it off occasionally to reveal one of seven available colors on the four-wheel-drive icon: Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Firecracker Red, Gobi, Rhino and Granite Crystal.

Interior Highlights

Inside, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition comes with the bold style and design of black leather-trimmed heated front seats with red accent stitching and a “Rubicon” embroidered logo, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Recon theme continues with black vinyl-wrapped front door armrests and console lid with black stitching, red accent netting on front and rear door pockets and the center console, and red accent-colored seatbelts. The passenger grab handle features Midnight Star Black accents that are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls. A unique gauge cluster features exclusive Recon styling.

Final Touches

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is rounded out with details and touches like all-weather slush mats with a red accent “Jeep” logo and red-accented axle locker and sway-bar disconnect switches. The Jeep Connectivity Group, Power Convenience Group, remote start* and automatic temperature control are also standard.

Ready to take the trail? To learn more about the new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition, visit jeep.com.

https://blog.jeep.com/news/off-road-capability-new-2017-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-recon/

Recognizing the Signs of Vehicle Engine Damage

It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your engine, there are some obvious warning signs that require a vehicle inspection right away, according to the Car Care Council.

“Early diagnosis of engine damage can most likely be treated, but it is important to be aware of potentially damaging symptoms and have the vehicle inspected if something doesn’t seem right,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “By acting quickly and making necessary repairs as soon as possible, you could be saving yourself from the cost and hassle of breaking down along the road.”

One of the signs of engine trouble is an illuminated check engine light. This light indicates that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally. Ignoring the check engine light can negatively impact your fuel economy or cause damage resulting in more costly repairs.

Many motorists are familiar with the noises their vehicles make on a daily basis. However, any noise that is new, different or suspicious may indicate a problem, including a high-pitched squeal, grinding or thumping. Sounds under the hood, such as hissing, can also indicate that your vehicle is in need of attention.

Although all cars burn fossil fuels that create undesired emissions, these odors should remain outside of the car. Unusual smells that could signal engine damage include: burnt rubber, hot oil, gasoline, sweet smell of syrup, burning carpet and rotten eggs. When you smell any peculiar odor, you should not ignore it.

Another symptom of engine damage is excessive amounts of smoke or steam. Although some smoke is normal, excessive amounts of dark smoke in particular indicates that oil is leaking into the combustion chamber and is being burned along with the gasoline.

To help you stay on track with essential auto care intervals, sign up for the Car Care Council free custom service schedule.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

www.carcare.org/recognizing-signs-vehicle-engine-damage/

Demon: beefed up for the track

Drag racing can be tough on a car; driveline parts tend to break under extreme conditions. The most commonly destroyed items in any drag car are the driveshaft, rear differential, and the axle shafts; so the 2018 Challenger SRT Demon team has beefed up each one, compared with the Hellcat, to handle the abuse of repeated drag strip launches.

The driveshaft of the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is made of high strength steel, with tube walls 20% thicker than the normal Hellcat’s. It can safely send 15% more torque to the rear wheels.

Once the Demon’s power passes through the driveshaft, it enters a new rear differential, which is stronger inside and out. The case is made out of heat treated A383 aluminum alloy; inside it are higher strength components, to handle 30% greater torque levels.

After the rear gears, power goes to the Demon’s lightweight wheels by means of 41-spline half shafts, made of a high strength alloy that can handle 20% greater torque levels.

When the sticky Nitto tires grip, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon’s tremendous power stresses the driveline. These stronger components will help Demon owners make lots of hard launches without breaking something behind the transmission.

Next, engineers turned their attention to one of the most common problems for high performance cars with independent rear suspensions — wheel hop. Wheel hop occurs when a tire quickly loses traction; it spins a bit and often causes the rear suspension to shudder a bit..or hop. This both slows the car down, and can cause massive destruction to the driveline components. For that reason, the new Launch Assist system on the 2018 Challenger Demon uses the wheel speed sensors to detect a loss of traction, and pull some power from the wheels to prevent damage.

When you combine these “race hardened” parts, the 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will be far more durable than the Hellcat Challenger; and the new Launch Assist system will make it a bit easier to get away from the line for more novice drivers.

Finally, to make it easier to install a racing harness, Dodge worked with Speedlogix to develop a four-point safety bar which bolts in behind the front seats. The Demon comes without a rear seat, so this harness bar bolts in place without cutting or drilling, making it easier to make the car safer for the track.

http://www.allpar.com/news/2017/03/demon-beefed-up-for-the-track-36702?utm_campaign=fballpar

Recognizing the Signs of Vehicle Engine Damage

It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your engine, there are some obvious warning signs that require a vehicle inspection right away, according to the Car Care Council.

“Early diagnosis of engine damage can most likely be treated, but it is important to be aware of potentially damaging symptoms and have the vehicle inspected if something doesn’t seem right,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “By acting quickly and making necessary repairs as soon as possible, you could be saving yourself from the cost and hassle of breaking down along the road.”

One of the signs of engine trouble is an illuminated check engine light. This light indicates that a vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally. Ignoring the check engine light can negatively impact your fuel economy or cause damage resulting in more costly repairs.

Many motorists are familiar with the noises their vehicles make on a daily basis. However, any noise that is new, different or suspicious may indicate a problem, including a high-pitched squeal, grinding or thumping. Sounds under the hood, such as hissing, can also indicate that your vehicle is in need of attention.

Although all cars burn fossil fuels that create undesired emissions, these odors should remain outside of the car. Unusual smells that could signal engine damage include: burnt rubber, hot oil, gasoline, sweet smell of syrup, burning carpet and rotten eggs. When you smell any peculiar odor, you should not ignore it.

Another symptom of engine damage is excessive amounts of smoke or steam. Although some smoke is normal, excessive amounts of dark smoke in particular indicates that oil is leaking into the combustion chamber and is being burned along with the gasoline.

To help you stay on track with essential auto care intervals, sign up for the Car Care Council free custom service schedule.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular Car Care Guide, visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.

Read more at: http://www.carcare.org/recognizing-signs-vehicle-engine-damage/