December 27, 2007

Driving the 2008 Jeep Liberty

Searching for an Acura CL steering rack online, I came up with a thought of test driving the 2008 Jeep Liberty. But, before I get myself to it, I checked the web for the results noted by those who were already able to test it. So, here it is:

Featured in fourwheelers.com, the test was made over Poison Spider Mesa in Moab. It was designed to gauge the Liberty’s off-highway capabilities.

According to Ken Brubaker, who experienced the test along with the others, they weren’t warned away from tough obstacles. Instead, they were even urged to push the vehicle to the limit. During the drive, they observed that the new suspension is far smoother and less choppy compared to the vehicle’s predecessor.

Though the new All-Speed Traction Control produces ratcheting noises, it makes the new Liberty more capable than the previous version. It is due to its capability of sending power to a specific wheel to propel the vehicle.

The Liberty on test has a new Hill Descent Control. It uses braking to allow a smooth and controlled descent without the need to touch the brake pedal and Hill Start Assist.

The hottest things about the new Liberty are the Sky Slider roof, approach angle without air dam, more interior room, low crawl ratio with manual trans, infusion of electronics.

Overall, the 2008 Jeep Liberty is great in off-highway driving.

Check out the specifications below:

  • Vehicle/model: 2008 Jeep Liberty
  • Base price: $22,600
  • Engine: 3.7L SOHC V-6
  • Max hp & torque (lb-ft): 210/235
  • Transmission(s): NSG 370 six-speed manual, 42RLE four-speed automatic
  • Transfer case(s): MP 1522 Command-Trac, MP 3022 Selec-Trac
  • Low-range ratio: 2.72:1
  • Frame type: Steel Uniframe
  • Suspension f/r: Upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, low-pressure gas-charged shocks, stabilizer bar/Live axle, upper and lower trailing arms, track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, low-pressure gas-charged shocks
  • Ring-and-pinion: 3.21:1
  • Max crawl ratio: 38.9:1 (manual), 24.8:1 (automatic)
  • Steering: Rack-and-pinion
  • Brakes f/r: 11.9x1.1 vented rotor, single-piston floating caliper/12.44x0.47 solid rotor, single-piston floating caliper
  • Wheels: 17x7 machined and cast aluminum (tested)
  • Tires: P235/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler HP
  • Wheelbase (in): 106.1
  • Length (in): 176.9
  • Height (in): 70.1 (without roof rack)
  • Base curb weight (lb): 4,222
  • Approach/departure angles (deg): 39.1 without air dam, 29 with air dam/32.1
  • Minimum ground clearance (in): 7.75
  • GVWR (lb): 5,372
  • Max cargo volume (cu ft): 64.2 (with rear seat folded)
  • Max towing capacity (lb): 5,000 (automatic transmission), 3,500 (manual transmission) EPA mileage figures, city/hwy (mpg): 18/23
  • Fuel capacity (gal): 19.5

December 15, 2007

The 2008 Jeep Liberty

Here comes the new Jeep Liberty! It is provided with a straight-edge styling that honours its predecessor and parrots the larger Commander and smaller Patriot, though quite compromising the performance along with the heavy weight and poor fuel economy.

Inside, the redesigned Liberty gets a modular theme in the cabin, prominent in the dashboard and center console. It is basically more functional than upscale. Thus, the primary controls fall easily to hand. Also, the secondary buttons and knobs (notably the audio and heating/ventilation knobs) are oversized and easy to grab, even when wearing gloves. That’s what we may call sophistication in the content!

Jeep has even improved the comfort from seats of the Liberty. It has added some more standard features on the Limited, including the remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls. Optional includes the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, a completely integrated audio navigation, entertainment and hands-free communication system.

As with the driving experience, the new Liberty is provided with new independent front suspension and five-link rear suspension, which helps in improving the ride comfort. The power rack-and-pinion steering system is weighted enough to the touch; and centers easily after a turn is completed.

The 2008 Jeep Liberty is powered with a 3.4 L SOHC V6 engine. The six is fairly smooth, though. It generates 210 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. But, the V6/four-speed automatic combo allows the vehicle to run zero to 100 kilometers in 9.8 seconds. Another, the new Liberty is heavier than its predecessor at 1,936 kilograms. And, the fuel economy is quite disappointing. Transport Canada rated the Liberty at 14 L per 100 km in the city and 9.7 on the highway.

Anyhow, some enthusiasts might still love this new Liberty, considering that it provides new-found comfort and convenience for those who want rugged 4X4 capability. Probably, it just has to be stuffed with some high performance and quality auto parts, such as this Acura Legend air filter, for that matter.

December 10, 2007

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

 
Want a car that surely gives a bit of everything? It’s not about an Acura Integra that comes with quality Acura Integra belts or other vehicles that provides luxury and stunning style, as you might guess… I’m talking about something a little tougher than that – the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

Though the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited might not seem ideal for driving to the shopping mall, it is absolutely a serious 4X4 that is intended for off-roading. You will be provided with incredibly comfortable feel even on long and rugged travels. In fact, it is pretty good in the mud and in the tracks where other vehicles might probably spin.

The design has been inspired by Jeep vehicles, such as the 1997 Jeep Dakar, 2004 Jeep Rescue and 2005 Jeep Gladiator. Now, that’s cool!

Let us take a little closer look… Well, this Jeep Wrangler is powered with a 3.8 L V6 engine. It has four doors and several interesting features. But, you better not think of considering it equally impressive on the tarmac like other SUVs. It just offers more everyday practicality than before.

The best thing about this Jeep is that it provides convenient room for five adult passengers. There is also a lot more cargo storage and seating configurations. Even better, it is provided with front-hinged doors that were basically designed to offer easy entry and exit. They could even be fully removed, as you desire.

The Jeep Wrangle Unlimited has been equipped with standard Sun-rider soft top that comes with a “sun roof” feature and the full top-down option. Such soft top provides a second open-air option through completely folding the soft top back over the first- and second- row occupants.

Actually, there is nothing much in the interior and style, since it has been focused in the power and the capacity to bring you to places away from the urban. Some of you might really love it, especially those who always wanted to escape from the city; just have to invest about Dh104,035 to Dh110,535 and it is good to go.

December 8, 2007

Delta 4X4 DUNE PROJECT launched

Delta 4X4, the Bavarian specialists for 4X4 and all-wheel-drive SUVs, brought its DUNE PROJECT for a premiere at the Essen Motor Show 2007.

Delta 4X4 DUNE PROJECT, which was based on a Jeep Grand Cherokee, gets better power, maximizing the 425 hp to 499 hp. It could then run from zero to 100 km in less than 5 seconds. It also comes with a specially developed motor-management, perfectly built sport exhaust system with performance manifold, sport cat and modified air feed, and stainless steel exhaust tailpipe.

The DUNE PROJECT has been provided with enhanced flexibility; thanks to the individualized front spoiler (-50 mm) (integrated with the Warn winch), a cool body lift kit (+100 mm) and the custom light wheel elements IV with 11X23 in mounted Continental Cross Contact tires in 305/40 R23.

This desert racer also gets a brilliant lighting system, as well as stainless steel roof-rack system and fender extension that contain filigree PIAA main-beam headlights – making the DUNE PROJECT an ideal nighttime machine.

For protection the DUNE PROJECT has covered with a specially painted foil in a hip maroon matt-finish.

Anyhow, it really looks tough and stunning! But, that would be all for now as I still need to rush an online search for quality Acura gas tank and other premium Acura parts.

December 4, 2007

New Dodge Ram Models Ready for Production

Chrysler LLC’s Dodge division will start the production of the all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs at the company’s Saltillo Assembly Plant in Saltillo, Mexico. These two new Dodge Ram models will add up to the production line at the plant, which also includes other Dodge Ram model variants like the the Dodge Ram Mega Cab, Dodge Ram Power Wagon, Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500 and 3500 models.

"A continuous showcase of advanced manufacturing capability and adaptability, the Saltillo facility is one of our most versatile plants and a great example of Chrysler’s flexible manufacturing ability. Even with the added complexities of commercial vehicle production, we’re not only able to adjust operations to better respond to customer needs, but we’re also better positioned to build a positive business case for new products and derivatives as each plant is able to maximize production capacity." said Frank Ewasyshyn, Executive Vice President - Manufacturing.

Chrysler invested about $48 million to support the production at the Saltillo Assembly Plant. This amount will add up to the previous investments last 2005 to produce the 2006 model of Dodge Ram Mega Cab. The Saltillo Assembly Plant now offers an additional 120,000 square-foot of expansion and includes 2,100 employees working on two shifts.

The all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs will be produced in the plant with four wheelbase measurements including 144, 168, 192 and 204 inches. All of these models will come in regular cab and Quad Cab configurations with two-wheel- drive and four wheel drive models. The plant will produce three model trim levels for the lines 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs - ST, SLT and Laramie.

Mr. Ewasyshyn added:
"The all-new 2008 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cabs not only continue Dodge’s commercial vehicle expansion, but these powerful, capable work trucks fill yet another white space opportunity within the commercial vehicle market."

Watch out for these models when it rolls out in the market soon. Anyway, I wonder when will Acura launch the new Acura CL model equipped with high performance Acura CL fuel injectors.