How much would you pay for a pair of VIP tickets to see the one-off Led Zeppelin reunion gig in London on 10 December? If they included a champagne reception and access to the aftershow party as well, would you pay $70,000? Oh yes, and you get a limited edition Jeep Patriot as well.
With just three days to go to one of the most eagerly anticipated gigs in rock history, RGVA, a U.K.-based vehicle branding company, is offering just seven of they exclusive 4x4s. Each is a 2.0-liter CRD Sport edition, with air conditioning, cruise control, two-tone leather, privacy glass, six-speed manual gearbox, remote central locking and a premium sound system.
RGVA's sales and marketing boss Alison Smith said: "This is an exciting project to be involved with. It combines a rare chance to see one of the world's greatest bands, as well as a lasting souvenir of the event. We're really looking forward to seeing who the new lucky owners will be!"
Demand for tickets to see Led Zeppelin reached incredible levels, with the event promoters reporting 20 million applications for just 18,000 tickets. With the exception of Live Aid in 1985, their last gig was in Berlin in 1980.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Jeep Patriot Gets the Led Out
2008 Jeep Compass What’s New
Jeep's entry-level, compact Compass is a car-based crossover that shares its platform and drivetrains with the Dodge Caliber and its sibling, the Jeep Patriot.
Unlike traditional Jeeps - which have historically been serious off-roaders with four-wheel drive and low-range gearing, the Compass is a front-wheel-drive vehicle with lighter-duty all-wheel drive as an option. Though the optional "Freedom Drive" system can route as much as 60 percent of engine power to the rear wheels, the absence of Low range gearing means the Compass is primarily an on-road vehicle and should be compared with similar car-based crossovers.
The standard Compass engine is a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder rated at 172 horsepower, available with either a five-speed manual or a CVT. The '08 Compass comes in Sport and Limited styles, with 17-inch wheels, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and curtain airbags as standard equipment on both versions.
Major options include 18-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a moonroof, and an upgrade audio system with six-disc CD changer, Sirius satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Three new colors are offered for 2008. In addition, air conditioning is now standard on all models, as are tire pressure monitors. There's more chrome trim inside, and a navigation system is now available on Limited models. The Compass' continuously variable transmission has been updated with better responsiveness and new AutoStick control.
Friday, July 20, 2007
2008 Jeep Liberty: Price Lowered and More Standard Content Added
The Chrysler Group today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 Jeep(R) Liberty. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the mid-size SUV features classic Jeep exterior styling paired with a functional interior, increased cargo length and rear Seat legroom, and the industry-exclusive Sky Slider(TM) full-length, open- canvas roof.
The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the all-new Jeep Liberty is $20,990, including $660 destination. Two models are available: Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. The Jeep Liberty will begin to arrive in dealerships later this summer. "The 2008 Jeep Liberty offers more value than ever before starting at under $21,000 for 4x2 models and under $23,000 for 4x4 models," said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. "We've reduced the MSRP by an average of $1,000 and added approximately $1,400 in features and content to both models. And, the Jeep Liberty Limited sets the bar high with the most combined comfort and convenience features available in its segment."
Standard on both models is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine that generates 210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N*m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. On-road ride and handling is improved with the addition of a new independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems. Staying true to legendary Jeep heritage, the Liberty offers two four-wheel-drive systems to meet customer needs, including Selec-Trac(R) II -- the most advanced four- wheel-drive system available in its segment.
MyGIG(TM) Multimedia Infotainment System, remote start, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls, and express up/down windows are added to the vehicle's list of available features and options. Making its world debut is the new Sky Slider(TM) full-length, open-canvas roof, an industry exclusive; giving the Liberty that "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep experience. The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicle's standard equipment are side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, all-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring. Available options include rain-sensing wipers and ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.
2008 Jeep Liberty Sport
MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 is $20,990 and $22,600 for 4x4 models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 has been reduced by $1,270 and has added $800 more content. The Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 has been reduced by $1,170 and has added $900 more content.
The Jeep Liberty Sport comes standard with a proven and durable 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine (210-hp/235 lb.-ft. torque) that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
Standard on the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 is the Command-Trac(R) four-wheel- drive system. The part-time, shift-on-the-fly, fully electronic system provides peace of mind with available four-wheel-drive capability delivered through a two-speed transfer case for use on slippery or loose surfaces such as snow, mud or sand. Standard features include side curtain air bags; body color fascias and wheel flares; cloth, low-back bucket seats; 16-inch aluminum wheels; P225/75R16 all-season black side wall (BSW) tires; tire pressure monitor; reversible cargo floor; fold-flat, reclining second row seats and AM/FM stereo with compact disc player and four speakers.
2008 Jeep Liberty Limited
MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 is $25,175 and $26,785 for 4x4 models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 has been reduced by $720 and has added 2,000 more content. The Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 has been reduced by $620 and has added $2,100 more content.
Standard features include Command-Trac(R) part-time four-wheel-drive system (4x4); YES Essentials Seat fabric; fold-flat passenger seat; power front driver seat; Infinity premium audio speakers (eight) and a subwoofer; four-speed automatic transmission; 17-inch aluminum wheels; P235/65R17 all-season BSW tires; security alarm; speed control; universal garage door opener; tire pressure monitoring system with display; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; electronic vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; auto up-down driver window; auto down passenger window; power heated folding-exterior mirrors, full-size spare tire and 115V power outlet.
Available on the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 is the all-new Selec-Trac(R) II full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. The system is ideal for a range of road settings including dry pavement conditions not typically suited for conventional part-time four-wheel-drive systems typically seen on competitors.
Industry-Exclusive Sky Slider(TM) Full-length, Open Canvas Roof
The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty brings the "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep experience with the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length, open-canvas roof.
With an MSRP of $1,200, the Sky Slider roof is versatile and can be moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch.
The Sky Slider roof is made of a reinforced-acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, that is weather resistant and leak proof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimize wind noise. The roof uses anti-pinch software that prevents the roof from moving should it detect an object in its path. The Sky Slider roof was designed and tested for safety to meet all regulatory and Chrysler Group requirements.
The Sky Slider roof is an optional feature on both the Jeep Liberty Sport and the Jeep Liberty Limited.
The Jeep Liberty is built at the Chrysler Group's Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, alongside the Dodge Nitro.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Beijing Military Jeep
When American auto designer Edward Wong set out to create the first new Chinese military Jeep in 35 years, he drew his inspiration from Bruce Lee and the Shaolin monks, Chinese Buddhists associated with the martial arts. Little wonder then, that the new BJ2S is nicknamed "the Warrior."
"I did not want to design another Humvee," Wong told Car Design News. "I want this vehicle to represent China, its people and its cultures."
While the BJ2S is on tap to replace all military Jeeps for the People's Liberation Army starting later this year, civilian versions are set to debut in the future.
The BJ2S is decidedly un-Humvee-ish with lots of Chinese influences. The front fascia is patterned after a mythical Chinese creature called a kylin or qilin that is said to be a good omen. The five slots in the grille stand for the five stars in the Chinese flag, and the three-slot front guard represents the army, air force and navy.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
STARTECH Refines the New Jeep Wrangler
STARTECH Refines the New Jeep. Wrangler
In a first step STARTECH offers custom-tailored light-alloy wheels, some initial exterior modifications and exclusive interior options.
The polished STARTECH Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels attract attention at first sight. The striking five-spoke wheels lend the new Jeep. Wrangler a more exclusive appearance. But that's not all: Mounted with sporty on- and off-road tires in size 285/50 R 20 front and back they give the SUV even more agile handling characteristics while at the same time improving driving safety.
While the STARTECH design program for the new Wrangler is still under development, the first stainless-steel components will be available shortly. Sturdy tubular side guards for short and long wheelbase models protect the rocker panels of the Jeep and partially hide the Jeep's frame from view. The spare wheel cover with high-gloss stainless-steel ring adds the finishing touch.
The new Wrangler generation for the first time includes a model with diesel engine. The STARTECH motor engineers are currently developing the STARTECH SD 4T tuning module for the 2.8-liter (171 cu. in.) common-rail turbodiesel engine.
STARTECH sport exhausts will soon be available for all engine and body variants of the Jeep. The fully stainless-steel exhausts feature one characteristic oval chrome tailpipe each on the right and left, and produce a more sonorous engine sound, while at the same time optimizing power yield.
The interior of the Jeep can also be upgraded stylishly with STARTECH accessories: Highly polished scuff plates welcome driver and passengers, and the ergonomically shaped STARTECH sport steering wheel adds to the ambiance.
Additional customization requests can be fulfilled by the company-own STARTECH upholstery shop. Partial and fully leather interiors made from especially soft yet durable Mastik leather satisfy even the most discriminating tastes.
Friday, May 4, 2007
New Rallye Package from Mopar is Available for 2007 Jeep Compass
- Rallye Package outfits 2007 Jeep Compass from head to toe with cool exterior accents
- Mopar Body kit adds Rallye car toughness to athletic Jeep Compass styling
- Rallye Package available on Jeep Compass models sold in United States and international markets
The Rallye Package outfits the Jeep Compass from head to toe with cool exterior accents. (PRNewsFoto/Chrysler Group)
The Jeep(R) brand continues its expansion into new territory and into the world of rallye car toughness with a new body kit from Mopar(R). For a limited time, a new Rallye Package featuring Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar will be available for both 4x2 and 4x4 2007 Jeep Compass and Jeep Compass Limited models. Mopar is the Chrysler Group's original equipment parts manufacturer.
Arriving in U.S. and international markets in late 2006, the Jeep Compass is an all-new compact sport-utility vehicle that combines classic Jeep cues with contemporary lines. The Mopar Rallye Package takes this sleek style another step, wrapping Jeep Compass' modern design in an aggressive toughness.
"The Rallye Package from Mopar enhances the sleek, sophisticated and expressive styling and appearance of the Jeep Compass," said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Marketing and Global Communications. "It embellishes its modern Jeep appeal and gives the Compass a character all its own."
The Jeep Compass Rallye Package - available in Black, Silver, Inferno Red, Jeep Green and Steel Blue - includes:
-- Unique 18-inch x 7-inch black-painted aluminum wheels with machined edges and chrome center caps
-- Roof-mounted rear spoiler that adds performance-oriented styling
-- Auxiliary driving lights with covers that feature the Jeep logo
-- Bright exhaust tips that reinforce the Compass' forceful personality
-- Chrome Rallye badge
-- Mopar body kit featuring front and rear fascia overlay appliqués, lower honeycomb front fascia grille and side sill lower panels and door appliques
The U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Jeep Compass Rallye Package is $1,985 (Sport) and $1,850 (Limited). Limited production began in April for the United States and international markets. Pre-orders are being taken now.
The Jeep Compass Rallye edition debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2006 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Jeep Compass competes in the compact sport-utility segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2006 calendar year was 520,045 units, up 34 percent from 387,828 units in 2005. The compact SUV segment is expected to continue to grow to 814,000 units by 2016. This is a great opportunity for the Jeep brand to attract new buyers who want a stylish, fuel-efficient, affordable, safe and capable SUV.
Authentic Jeep Accessories from Mopar are available for purchase and installation at Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships across the United States. Mopar accessories are covered under DaimlerChrysler's 3-year/36,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Mopar's 12-month/12,000-mile Limited Warranty, whichever is more favorable to the customer. These warranties are serviced by Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealerships. More information is available at www.mopar.com.
Jeep Brand
At the start of 2004, the brand's trio of tough, capable, rugged SUVs included the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America) and the icon of the brand, the Jeep Wrangler. In 2005, the Jeep Commander was introduced. In 2006, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler was unveiled. Also debuting in calendar year 2006 were three more all-new Jeep vehicles: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Through April 2007, Jeep brand sales in the United States are up 5 percent over the 2006 calendar year.
70 Years of Mopar
When Chrysler bought Dodge in 1928, the need for a dedicated parts manufacturer, supplier and distribution system to support the growing enterprise led to the formation of the Chrysler Motor Parts Corporation (CMPC) in 1929.
Originally used in the 1920s, Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) was trademarked for a line of antifreeze products in 1937. It was also widely used as a moniker for the CMPC. The Mopar brand made its mark in the 1960s -- the muscle car era. The Chrysler Corporation built race-ready Dodge and Plymouth "package cars" equipped with special high-performance parts. Mopar carried a line of "Special Parts" for super stock drag racers and developed its racing parts division called Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use.
Today, the Chrysler Group's Global Service & Parts division is responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of nearly 250,000 authentic Mopar replacement parts, components and accessories for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold around the world. To assure quality, reliability and durability, all Mopar parts and accessories are designed in strict adherence to DaimlerChrysler engineering standards.
Source: Chrysler Group
