Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 caught sunbathing ahead of NY reveal

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, SUV, Jeep

spy shots jeep grand cherokee srt8

Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 – Click above for high-res image gallery

We can hardly wait for the redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 to strut across the stage at the 2011 New York Auto Show. Thankfully, we can get our muscle truck fill courtesy of some spy shots showing our favorite non-trail rated Jeep taking in some desert sun.

This next-generation Grand Cherokee SRT8 is rumored to pack a 6.4-liter Hemi engine under the hood, which should be good for around 470 horsepower. Rather disappointingly, the rumormill has the automatic transmission earmarked as only having five ratios, but it’s at least said to be the first SRT-branded product with paddle-shifters. What’s more, the brake pedal should handily haul in the twisting speedo needle thanks to a set of 14-inch Brembos.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 caught sunbathing ahead of NY reveal originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 details emerge

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Performance, SUV, Jeep, Rumormill

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Click above for high-res image gallery

The last Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was one heck of a muscle truck, but it was somewhat encumbered by being based on the last Grand Cherokee. The new model, however, is a different beast entirely, billed as the kind of vehicle that could help turn Chrysler’s fortunes around. So what’s next? The new Grand Cherokee SRT8, of course. And rumormill reports of its specifications are beginning to pour in.

According to insiders, the new GC SRT8 will bow at the upcoming New York Auto Show in April. And when it does, it is expected to pack the new 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with around 470 horsepower and just as much torque. That’ll be mated, according to the rumors, to a five-speed automatic equipped with paddle shifters – an SRT first. Couple that to a new adaptive damping suspension, 14-inch Brembo brakes and 20-inch alloys wearing Pirelli rubber and you can start to see where Chrysler’s Italian cousins are starting to pitch in. Heck, Chrysler is even said to be working on boosting the towing capacity, so the next SRT8 should be a more well-rounded vehicle to live with, as well. Thanks to all for the tips!

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Source: WK2Jeeps.com]

Rumormill: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 details emerge originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T is spruced up, yet unsurprisingly sedate

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Dodge

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T – Click above for high-res image gallery

Long ago, Chrysler told us that it would be launching a “manlier minivan,” and the 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T looks to be just the ticket. Sort of.

Power still comes from the automaker’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and while there’s nothing weak about 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in a minivan, our own visions of a proper “man van” involved some sort of Hemi-spec power outputs. Nevertheless, the Grand Caravan R/T looks slightly more aggressive, wearing a unique set of 17-inch alloys, and employs design tweaks like body-colored side moldings. Inside, black leather seats are standard kit and red contrast stitching gives off an aura of sportiness, even though the family-hauler won’t impress your sports car-driving friends at parties.

Man van? Not so much. But even so, the Grand Caravan’s R/T trim package has a good chance of speaking to those consumers who need a minivan’s capability while still trying to play it cool. Scroll through our high-res image gallery of live shots direct from the Chicago Auto Show floor to see for yourself.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T: Chicago 2011

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

Photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Chicago 2011: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T is spruced up, yet unsurprisingly sedate originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Dodge gives Grand Caravan, Journey the R/T treatment for 2011

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Minivan/Van, Crossover, Dodge

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T – Click above for high-res image gallery

As part of Chrysler’s giant product onslaught for the 2011 model year, The Pentastar has released new R/T trim levels of both the Dodge Grand Caravan and Journey crossover. Both models make their debut at the Chicago Auto Show this week, and while there aren’t any big power boosts, the spruced up exterior and interior designs speak of sportiness.

Both the Grand Caravan and Journey R/T use Chrysler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, pumping out 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. The minivan is only available with front-wheel drive, though an all-wheel-drive variant of the Journey R/T is available.

Outside, the Grand Caravan R/T gets new appearance tweaks like a “dipped” body-colored grille, body-colored side moldings and a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels. Likewise, the Journey R/T features the same sort of exterior treatment, but rides on larger 19-inch aluminum wheels with a satin carbon finish. Inside, both vehicles benefit from upgrades like black seats with red contrast stitching throughout, as well as the latest in Chrysler connectivity and infotainment.

The 2011 Grand Caravan R/T and Journey R/T will arrive at dealerships this Spring, priced from $30,595 and $28,995, respectively. Opting for the all-wheel-drive Journey R/T will set you back $30,695, and you can read the full suite of details in the automaker’s press release, after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

Gallery: 2011 Dodge Journey R/T

2011 Dodge Journey R/T2011 Dodge Journey R/T

[Source: Chrysler]

Chicago 2011: Dodge gives Grand Caravan, Journey the R/T treatment for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Foresight 2020: F1 Racing projects the future grand prix racer

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Racing

F1 Racing's 2020 projection

F1 Racing’s 2020 projection – Click above for high-res images

Think of what a future F1 race car might look like and you’re likely to conjure up images similar to the Red Bull X1 prototype. But the fact is, in all likelihood, an F1 car nine years from now will look pretty much like the ones we see today. After all, how radically different are contemporary F1 racers from the ones we saw a decade ago?

You can expect some significant changes to come into effect, though, over the coming decade, as the sport grapples with finding the sweet-spot in terms of spectacle, environmental friendliness and the like. Speaking with Renault F1 designer Pat Symonds, F1 Racing magazine came up with their projection. It takes into account such anticipated features as low-profile tires on larger wheels, ground-effect aerodynamics returning to replace the downforce reduced by the standardized rear wing and a beefier Kintetic Energy Recovery System good for a 250 horsepower boost.

Of course all these projections could prove way off by the time 2020 rolls around, but they could prove spot on. We’ll just have to keep watching to find out. In the meantime you can see the only two images which the publication has released, or head to the newsstand to see more.

Gallery: F1 Racing’s 2020 projection

[Source: F1 Racing]

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Foresight 2020: F1 Racing projects the future grand prix racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Marchionne confirms 7-seat Jeep Grand Wagoneer in 2013

Filed under: SUV, Chrysler, Jeep

Jeep Grand Wagoneer with horses

Jeep Wagoneer through the years – Click above for high-res image gallery

Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Chrysler, has reportedly just announced his plans to bring an old American nameplate back to life. According to Automotive News, in two years time, Jeep will roll out a seven-seat SUV and its badge will read: Grand Wagoneer. According to Marchionne, it will be an upscale, seven-seat sport utility vehicle built on the same platform as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is slated to make its first appearance in January 2013, though whether that will be in conceptual or production form, we’re not yet sure.

Gallery: Jeep Wagoneer through the years

1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer1963 Jeep Wagoneer1966 Jeep Wagoneer1978 Jeep Wagoneer1978 Jeep Wagoneer

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Report: Marchionne confirms 7-seat Jeep Grand Wagoneer in 2013 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: IL pits 2011 Buick Regal Turbo against 1987 Grand National

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Videos, Buick

1987 Buick Grand National vs. 2011 Buick Regal Turbo

1987 Buick Grand National vs. 2011 Buick Regal Turbo – Click above to watch video after the jump

When General Motors first announced that Americans would once again be able to get their power-hungry hands on a turbocharged Buick, enthusiast minds immediately leapt to visions of a modern day Grand National. Now, however, it’s clear that the new Regal Turbo isn’t exactly the second coming of old-school forced-induction glory. That hasn’t stopped the crew at Inside Line from lining the two up on the quarter mile and sharing their exploits with the world. The editors chose an ’87 Grand National as the representative of the old-school set, and predictably, it puts the new-age Regal CXL Turbo in its place without breaking a sweat down the quarter mile.

Even so, the 2011 Regal Turbo managed to pull off wins in both the slalom and skid pad as well as brake tests, but both results are of little surprise given that the new Regal Turbo has the benefit of over 20 years of technology on its side. You can head over to Inside Line for the full skinny on how both vehicles performed under the scrutiny of IL testing. Hit the jump to check out the quarter-mile video, too. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!

[Source: Inside Line]

Continue reading Video: IL pits 2011 Buick Regal Turbo against 1987 Grand National

Video: IL pits 2011 Buick Regal Turbo against 1987 Grand National originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition is a private jet sans the wings

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition – Click above for high-res image

Here in North America we know Mercedes-Benz as purveyors of luxury automobiles. But overseas, the Silver Star is known just as much for its commercial trucks. In between exists a huge chasm, but if one vehicle is capable of single-handedly bridging that gap, it’s surely the Sprinter Grand Edition.

Now you may have seen the Sprinter delivering your packages or taking you to the airport, but this is no cargo van or mini bus. Offered exclusively by Mercedes-Benz Manhattan – the manufacturer-owned dealership on Park Avenue – the Sprinter Grand Edition is everything an upscale buyer would expect from a Mercedes and then some.

It’s referred to as a “stand-up Maybach” for a reason, and that reason is what it packs inside: DVD players hooked up to pair of 32-inch flat-panel televisions, reclining power massage arm chairs, sofa bed, refrigerator, 30,000-BTU HVAC system, satellite radio, wireless internet… it’s essentially a private jet inside, only installed into a van.

The privilege of ownership will cost you though: instead of the $40,000 your average working-grade Sprinter sells for, the fully-equipped Grand Edition goes for a hair under $190,000. That makes it marginally more expensive than the SLS AMG supercar and chump change cheaper than the S65 AMG performance sedan… but still around half the price of a Maybach. Want to know more? Follow the jump for a full list of features.

[Source: Mercedes-Benz via The New York Times]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition is a private jet sans the wings

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Grand Edition is a private jet sans the wings originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cadillac CTS-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee named 2011 Internet Car and Truck of the Year

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Crossover, Cadillac, Jeep, Off-Road

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2011 Cadillac CTS-V and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Click above for high-res image galleries

The Internet Car and Truck of the Year voting jury has just announced its pair of winners for 2011, and top honors go to both the Cadillac CTS-V and Jeep Grand Cherokee. For 2011, the CTS-V is offered in a trio of body styles, all of which boast a 556-horsepower supercharged V8 and seriously good driving dynamics. Likewise, the 2011 Grand Cherokee remains one of the best off-road vehicles in its class, and points the way forward for the “new Chrysler.”

2011 Ford Mustang GTIn addition to the vehicles picked by the Internet Car and Truck of the Year jurors, the motoring public was able to cast its vote for the “Average Joe” awards. Unlike the professional jury, the public voters named the 2011 Ford Mustang GT as Car of the Year, its new 5.0-liter V8 and reworked suspension geometry making it more of a true sports car than a stereotypical muscle car. However, both the “Internet Pros” and “Average Joes” saw eye to eye on the Truck of the Year award, with the Grand Cherokee taking the cake from both segments of voters.

Vehicles aside, the ICTOY jury also honored recently deceased and legendary automotive journalist Jerry Flint with the 2010 Journalist of the Year award. Flint, who died on August 7th of this year, covered the automotive beat for over 50 years, and was once named one of the 100 most prominent business reporters of the 20th century.

For the full details on all of the awards, follow the jump to read the Internet Car and Truck of the Year press release.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Photos copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Internet Car and Truck of the Year]

Continue reading Cadillac CTS-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee named 2011 Internet Car and Truck of the Year

Cadillac CTS-V, Jeep Grand Cherokee named 2011 Internet Car and Truck of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jeep Grand Cherokee bests Toyota 4Runner in latest Consumer Reports testing

Filed under: SUV, Jeep, Toyota

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee2010 Toyota 4Runner

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2010 Toyota 4Runner – Click above for high-res image galleries

Consumer Reports, bastions of a straightforward, no-frills automotive testing regime focused on the consumer, compares in its December 2010 issue the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 2010 Toyota 4Runner, both of which were completely redesigned within the last several months. Interestingly – and despite the fact that the Jeep has not yet had enough time to set a reliability score – the testers at CR have seen enough from the Grand Cherokee to vault it over its rival from Toyota, which scored too low to recommend.

The magazine praises the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee for its comfortable on-road ride and quiet interior while heaping discontent on the 4Runner in the exact same categories. When it comes to prowess off the beaten path, Toyota’s body-on-frame ‘ute regains some ground, though CR is quick to point out that the Jeep handles the rough stuff equally well when equipped with the right options, such as low-range gearing and the available Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with its height-adjustable suspension.

Also drawing ire from CR‘s testers is the Toyota 4Runner’s interior with “leather seats [that] look like vinyl,” “cheap-looking plastics.” The 4Runner was also lacking some notable features one would expect at its $37,425 asking price. Want to read more from CR regarding its comparison of two classic sport utility vehicles? Click past the break, or wait for the full report in the December 2010 issue.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Gallery: Review: 2010 Toyota 4Runner

Photos copyright (C)2010 Zach Bowman and Chris Shunk / AOL

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Jeep Grand Cherokee bests Toyota 4Runner in latest Consumer Reports testing

Jeep Grand Cherokee bests Toyota 4Runner in latest Consumer Reports testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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