I thought I would post some intresting facts and rumor of what is going to happen to the Jeep Brand, since they are the hot Chrysler Group brand for this month...

2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) Information:

Models: Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT-8
Production startup: July 2005
Launch date: September 2005

2006 Laredo Model:
Key features and options: (partial)
3.7L V6 Standard
4.7L V8 (optional)
5-Speed auto W5A580 transmission
3.07 axle ratio
Axles, 200mm front; 213mm rear
Advanced multistage front air bags
AM/FM Compact Disc radio w/changer control
Audio controls, steering wheel-mounted
Boston Acoustics speakers and 276w amplifier
Cargo compartment cover
Cargo storage, reversible, waterproof
Electronic Stability Program
Emergency Brake Assist
Enhanced Accident Response System
Fascias, body color
Fog lamps
Grille, body color
GVW rating - 5710#
Halogen Headlamps
Headlamps, automatic On/Off
Independent front suspension, solid rear axle
Mirrors, power heated, fold-away
Navigation radio/6-disc changer model REC
Power Adjustable Pedals
Power outlet, rear
Quadra-Trac I Full-Time 4WD System
Quadra-Trac II active full-time 4WD
Rear seat video system
Roof rail crossbars, adjustable
Seats, heated front
Seats, power 8-Way driver and 4-Way Pass
Seats, cloth
Seats, leather-trimmed bucket
Security alarm
Side air bags
Sirius satellite radio
Steering wheel, leather-wrapped
Sunroof
Sun Visors w/illuminated vanity mirrors
Tire pressure monitoring warning lamp
Tires, P235/65R17 BSW All Season
Tires, P245/65R17 OWL all terrain
Trailer tow groups
UConnect Hands-Free Communication
Universal garage door opener
Wheels, 17X7.5
Windows, power front 1-Touch, up down

2006 Limited Model:
Offers Laredo features plus:
Air Conditioning ATC with dual zone control
Automatic transmission, 545RFE 5-speed
Body-color license plate brow
Bodyside molding, chrome
Differentials, front and rear Electronic Limited Slip (4WD only)
Door handles, body color
Door trim panels, premium with chrome handles
Engine, 4.7L V8 engine (standard)
Engine, 5.7L V8 Hemi engine (optional)
Grille, chrome
GVW rating - 6100#
Instrument cluster, chrome trim ring surrounds
Interior, two-tone option - Dark Khaki / Light Graystone
Memory for radio, driver seat, pedals and mirrors
Park assist rear object detection system
Power adjustable pedals with memory
Quadra-Drive 4WD System
Rain-Sensitive Windshield Wipers
Seats, rear center armrest
Seats, premium leather
Smartbeam Headlamps
Tire pressure monitoring display
Wheels, 17" X 7.5" aluminum chrome clad

2006 Overland Model (NEW for 2006):
Offers Limited features plus:
Engine, 4.7L V8 engine (standard)
Engine, 5.7L V8 Hemi engine (optional)
Chrome grille with body-color fascia
Door trim panels, luxury
Electroluminescent gauges
GVW rating - 6160#
License plate brow, satin
Steering wheel, wood/leather-wrapped
Wheels, 17" platinum-clad with matching spare

2006 Grand Cherokee SRT-8 (NEW for 2006):
6.1-Liter Hemi with 425hp and 425 lb.-ft. of torque
W5-A580 5-speed auto transmission with Electronic Range Select
Quadra-Trac active on demand 4WD system
NV146 single-speed t-case
Axle, front, 200MM
Axle, rear, Dana 44/226MM
Axle ratio, 3.73
Body color mirrors
Bodyside molding, chrome
Boston Acoustics sound system (same as standard WK)
Brakes, larger diameter rotors w/Brembo calipers and functional brake ducts
Bright roof rack finish
Cargo storage bin, reversible/waterproof
Dual exhaust system with chrome tips
Emergency Brake Assist
ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
Fascia, unique, body color
Fuel tank, 20.5 Gallon
Grille, platinum finish w/honeycomb textured grate
Halogen headlamps
Interior decor, race inspired
Interior trim bezels, custom
Power steering cooler
Seats, power 8-Way driver, 4-Way passenger
Seats, leather trim with preferred suede
Shift ****, leather wrapped
Sill extensions
Spoiler, rear, bodycolor
Steering, performance tuned
Suspension system, custom w/lower ride height
Tires, front - speed rated GoodYear 255/45ZR20 ASP run-flat tires
Tires, rear - speed rated GoodYear 285/40ZR20 ASP run-flat tires
Wheels, front - 20" x 9.0" aluminum Wheels
Wheels, rear - 20" x 10.0" aluminum Wheels
Windows, power front with 1-touch up, 1-touch down
180-mph speedometer

2006 Exterior Colors:
Black Clear Coat
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Light Khaki Metallic Clear Coat
Dark Khaki Pearl Coat
Deep Beryl Green
Inferno Red Crystal Pearl Coat
Midnight Blue Pearl Coat
Stone White Clear Coat

2006 Interior Colors:
Medium slate gray
Khaki
Dark Khaki/Light Graystone

redriderbob

 

2006 Jeep Commander (XK) Introduction:



New York Auto Show, Wednesday March 23rd 2005
For the 2006 model year, Jeep will offer its largest Jeep ever, an extended wheelbase 7-passenger luxury/off-road model called the Commander. The Commander is built on the same platform as the Grand Cherokee, but uses very different sheet metal . Perhaps in some respects, an evolutionary upgrade to the Jeep "Wagoneer". The Commander is estimated to be 4-5" taller and 10" longer (?) than the 2005 Grand Cherokee. The GVW Rating (Gross Vehicle Weight) will be around 6210 lbs. for the base model and 6410 lbs. for the Limited.



Base models of the Commander will feature body color grille and fascias and black body side molding while the Limited models will have a chrome grille and chrome body side strip. Second row seats in both models are split 40/20/40 and have a "tumble" feature. Most of the features, options and colors for the Commander are exactly the same as what is available on the 2005-2006 model WK Grand Cherokee's. In fact, aside from the third row seat, one of the only new features on this super-size Jeep is a wide-angle sunroof called "Command View".

The Commander will offer the same engine and transmission choices as the Grand Cherokee, the 3.7 V6, 4.7 V8 and 5.7 V8 MDS Hemi engines along with the W5A580 and 545RFE transmissions. The navigation and Boston Acoustics sound systems are also the same as what is available on the Grand. However, most likely there will be a model above the Limited, similar to what Jeep is offering with the 2006 Grand Cherokee Overland. If so, you'll see some of the same features like electroluminescent gauges, luxury trim and special wheels.

redriderbob

 

2007 Jeep Wrangler (Codename Unknown):



The new 2007 Jeep Wrangler will resemble styling from the 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept Pickup. The Gladiator Concept was ten inches wider than the current Jeep Wrangler (TJ). The next Wrangler will be much wider, in order to meet and surpass new 2008 vehicle crash standards. The new Wrangler will also be available in regular wheelbase (two door), Unlimited wheelbase (two-door), and an all new four door model. Also expect new technology such as nagivation systems and stereo options. Rumors include the new Wrangler to have the 3.7L "Power-Tech" V-6 standard, and a possible V-8 option.

The Jeep Parkway and Stickney Avenue factories are scheduled to stop making Jeep Wranglers on July 21, 2006, and the new plant will start building the new models - in either the two-door or four-door version - three days later, the union said. Production of the other version is scheduled to follow on Aug. 28, 2006, it said, and a second shift will be added in September at the plant.

redriderbob

 

Rumor: 2007 Jeep Scrambler/Gladiator (Codename Unknown):



With the introduction of the 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept, and the huge hit that it was. There is no doubt that the concept showed many new styling and feature takes of the next generation Wrangler. However, Jeep has been talking about bring a pickup back to the lineup for several years. The next generation could be a good basis on a new Scrambler or Gladiator, and insiders say that information is not that far off.

More more pictures of the 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept: CLICK HERE:

redriderbob

 

2007 Jeep Compass/Patroit/Liberator (Codename Unknown) Small-Entry Vehicle:



Jeep will surely build an entry level below the Wrangler. The base price for this vehicle will be around $20,000. They have been tooling around w/ names such as Compass, Scout (International used the name and owns the copyrights), Patroit (which was believed to the be the name for the 2005+ Jeep Grand Cherokee), and Liberator. The new Jeep will be based on the Mitsu Lancer MK49/74 platform, and would be built along the Dodge Rebel Sedan and Dodge Caliber Wagon in Belvidere, Illinois!

The Jeep Compass (shown above) showed us a look into what this new Jeep would be like.

redriderbob

 

Rumor: 2007 Jeep Rescue (Codename Unknown) production unconfirmed:



Many Jeep insider sites say there will still be a Rescue model, even though the Rescue was a look at the Commander. The Rescue unlike the Commander uses parts from the Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty bin. Including the 5.9L "HO" CUMMINS" I-6 Turbo Diesel!

Powered by a 325-hp (600 ft.-lbs. torque) Cummins Diesel and featuring seating for five, the Jeep Rescue’s primary mission is rescue capability, and its list of rescue and safety equipment is impressive. Either the 5.7L and/or the 6.1L Hemi engine will most likely be offered as standard equipment.



Concept features, production version would vary:
AC electric power (10 kW) generation in the field
3-D topographical mapping software and topographical navigation system
Under-chassis, point-of-view cameras for avoiding danger in its path
Passive, infrared (thermal) cameras for search and rescue
Satellite telephone; VHF radio, digital video recorder with satellite transmission capability
Retractable 4-point harnesses for vehicle occupants
Exterior perimeter lighting
White LEV lighting for long distance visual search and reduced power use
Folding seats in rear compartment of vehicle
Remote control winch – front and back

redriderbob

 

2008 Jeep Liberty (KJ?) Redesign:



For 2008, the Jeep Liberty will get a whole new makeover. It will grow a bit in the legth department and should get another inch maybe added to its wheelbase for a better ride. Much of the powertrain and its features could be seen in its soon to be sibling, the 2007 Dodge Nitro. The Nitro, which was shown at the Chicago Auto Show in 2005, will be built alongside the Jeep Liberty in Toledo, Ohio. Word is the Liberty will go to a full-time all-wheel drive system in 2008.

redriderbob