Heart and Mind: Two Approaches to Power

The Wrangler Moab 392 is a classic off-roader, instantly recognizable. It boasts unique details like Black Beadlock wheels, a MOAB badge on the fender, and a hood with a functional air scoop. The Indy Auto Man experts in used cars in Indianapolis note that this Jeep has a legendary heart: a 6.4-liter naturally aspirated HEMI V8. This engine produces 470 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful in its class. This Jeep rockets from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and its engine sound isn’t noise but music – a symphony of old-school muscle that seemed destined to vanish.

The Ford Bronco Raptor is more like a stormtrooper from the future. It takes a streamlined approach. Its power comes from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. The output is 418 horsepower and about 400 lb-ft of torque, delivered to all four wheels via a ten-speed automatic transmission. Although it’s 0.7 seconds slower to 60 mph, the Raptor has a practical advantage—it can tow up to 4,000 pounds, compared to the Jeep’s 3,000 pounds.

Numbers and Angles: Who’s Better on Paper?

When conquering off-road terrain, body geometry matters. The Ford Bronco Raptor shows impressive off-road skills, thanks largely to its standard 37-inch tires, giving it a phenomenal 13.1 inches of ground clearance. Its approach, departure, and breakover angles are 47.2°, 30.8°, and 40.5°, respectively. It can ford water up to 37 inches deep.

The Jeep Wrangler Moab 392, with 35-inch tires and 11.1 inches of ground clearance, trails only slightly. Its angles are a bit more modest: 46.7° approach, 24.5° departure, and 39.8° breakover. It can handle water up to 34 inches deep. The key difference lies in the suspension design: the Wrangler sticks with solid axles, while the Bronco Raptor uses independent front suspension for a smoother ride at high speeds on rough terrain. However, the Jeep Moab 392 features Jeep’s Selec-Trac all-wheel drive system with low-range gearing, delivering exceptional traction on tough trails.

The Bronco Raptor follows another philosophy. Functionality comes first. It offers hose-washable floors with drain holes, vinyl upholstery, and removable doors and roof in minutes. This vehicle is for those who don’t mind a messy interior. The Bronco Raptor offers up to seven driving modes via Ford’s G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) system, which adapts the vehicle to various surfaces.

It’s somewhat ironic that in this era of total electrification, two such thirsty SUVs are hitting the market in 2026. The Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 gets about 18 mpg on the highway and nearly 15 mpg in the city, while the Bronco Raptor is slightly more efficient—16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Still, buyers willing to spend over $80,000 on a special SUV likely don’t sweat fuel costs.

Choosing between the Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 and the Ford Bronco Raptor is a choice between heart and mind, passion and pragmatism. Jeep is a living legend, with a roaring V8 and an 85-year legacy. Its trump card is undeniable charisma and a time-tested design. Ford offers a high-tech, pragmatic take on extreme off-roading, with outstanding geometry and modern electronic aids. Both are spectacular in their own right, proving the era of true SUVs isn’t over. The truth lies somewhere in between, where legend and progress meet.

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Change Your Driving

Before you make upgrades to your vehicle, think about changing your driving a little. While it is hard to be totally fuel-efficient while off-roading, you can almost certainly make some improvements on the road. Try to avoid hard braking or accelerating.

Additionally, use overdrive if you have the automatic transmission. If you opted for manual, try to keep your RPM low by shifting up gears when possible. This will help you keep your fuel efficiency higher. Similarly, keeping your tires at optimal inflation is beneficial. While deflating a little can help with some off-road situations, this is not a good idea when you are on the road.

Upgrade Your Exhaust

Airflow through your engine is a major factor in fuel efficiency. So, you need to have a great exhaust system that can get air out of the engine. Getting a performance system from one of the best aftermarket exhaust brand options on the market is a great way to enhance efficiency.

A full or cat-back exhaust system will deliver that boost in fuel efficiency you’ve been looking for. Better yet, it will offer a few extra horsepower and torque. So, you will have an easier time towing and taking on more challenging trails. You’ll even get to enjoy a more satisfying sound from your truck.

On many vehicles, the catalytic converter is one of the most airflow-inhibiting parts of the exhaust system. Switching to a high-flow alternative can be a major upgrade for your Jeep Gladiator.

Improved Air Intake

For similar reasons, upgrading your air intake can also improve efficiency. This is even more pronounced if you switch to a cold-air intake. For a Jeep Gladiator, you may consider opting for a snorkel system to suck in cold air from above the engine bay. This will help you maintain optimal airflow even when you are fording water.

Make sure to switch your air filter regularly. These can become clogged and dramatically reduce fuel efficiency. This is especially pronounced if you take your Gladiator on dusty trials. Consider opting for a washable air filter so you don’t have to keep buying a new one. Maximizing your airflow can help you keep your fuel efficiency as optimal as possible.

Get Started

These tips will help you save money at the pump with your Jeep Gladiator. Of course, the same ideas can be applied to other vehicles too. For example, you may get a motorcycle aftermarket exhaust to improve the efficiency or your two-wheeled ride. Get started making some changes today. You will be glad you did the next time you roll your Gladiator into a gas station.

The post How To Increase Fuel Efficiency for Your Jeep Gladiator appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

NWAPA 2019 Mudfest

Over the course of two days, NWAPA Journalists took the competing vehicles out to extensively measure the on and off-road capabilities of each competing for the top spot across six different categories. During the on-road portion of the test, vehicles were tested on acceleration, panic-emergency braking, rear-view camera capabilities, handling around sharp corners, and much more. The next day each vehicle was pushed to its limits in the off-road course that was built specifically to simulate the harsh and rough terrain that many northwest drivers would often overcome on their off-road treks. This testing course also offered an optional section meant to test extremely capable vehicles in the most severe conditions that could prove difficult or potentially damaging to most vehicles. With both of these days pushing the cars to their track limits, additional courses were added in for specific categories such as evaluating the power and payload capabilities of Pickup Trucks.

“The 2019 NWAPA Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year competition featured the most diverse group of vehicles we’ve seen in its 25-year history,” says NWAPA President John Vincent of U.S. News & World Report.

“The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator earned its title of Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year with an exceptionally functional blend of SUV and pickup attributes that northwest consumers crave.”

Each of the vehicles fought fiercely during the competition, but the brand new 2020 Jeep Gladiator won in three separate categories taking first place in Pickup Trucks, Extreme Capability, and the NW Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year. The 2020 Gladiator showcased off its great on-road control in conjunction with its incredible powertrain while boasting the legendary off-road capability that Jeep is known for. In the 25 years that NWAPA has put on this annual mudfest competition, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is the only vehicle to have finished on top in over two categories.

About the 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The all-new 2020 Gladiator takes a bold stance toting the classic Jeep cabin look while incorporating a truck bed and the immensely powerful engine that is vital for pickups to get the job done. Setting the stage in both interior and exterior design, the 2020 Gladiator builds off of the legacy established by previous Jeep trucks to establish itself in off-road capability as well. The pickup offers three different powertrain combinations and a solid number of trim levels integrating modern-day technology developing comfort and convenience as well as unparalleled performance. Our friends at East Hills Jeep (Greenvale, NY) said that the Gladiator Rubicon model in particular brings in a Rock-trac 4×4 system featuring a two-speed transfer case that pushes a 4:1 low-range gear ratio working in conjunction with its standard 33-inch Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain tires to get you where the job takes you.

More info about NWAPA

NWAPA (www.nwapa.org) is a professional organization of automotive journalists and media members from throughout the Pacific Northwest and Southwest Canada. Founded in 1991, NWAPA includes 54 voting members representing more than 700 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, media groups, and the internet. Members of the organization have been testing SUVs and crossovers since the advent of the modern sport-utility vehicle in the mid-1990s. Non-voting NWAPA members include representatives from automotive manufacturers and related industry professionals.

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What Is a Lift Kit and What Does It Do?

Before exploring which is the right lift kit, it is important to understand exactly what it is. A lift kit raises the body of your Jeep higher from the ground. It can either be a body lift kit, which increases the distance between the body and the frame, or a suspension lift kit, which increases the distance between the frame and the axels.

Many people do this in order to have more clearance off-roading so they can take on more challenging trails and obstacles. Other people lift their Jeeps simply because they like the look. Before performing a lift, ask yourself these questions:

• Will you use your Jeep as a daily driver, off-roader, camping vehicle or tow vehicle? If it is a combination, what is the ratio between each use?
• What size and type of tires will you be using with your Jeep?
• What is your budget for lifting your Jeep?

Small Lift Kit

A small lift kit is a suspension lift kit that raises your Jeep one or two inches. This may not sound like much, but it can often be plenty. It a relatively inexpensive option that generally won’t have many complications. Smaller lifts also don’t have as dramatic an impact on your driving experience. If you use your Jeep as your daily driver, this may be the right choice for you.

Large Lift Kit

Larger suspension lift kits raise your Jeep by more than two inches. This is fairly expensive and is the most likely to cause complications as Jeeps are not designed to ride so high in their factory specs. In other words, you may have to modify more than the suspension to make this work. This option is best for serious off-road enthusiasts who plan to use their Jeeps primarily on trails.

Body Lift Kit

Attentively, you can do a body lift. This will not increase the clearance because the vehicle frame will continue to be in the same place. Body lift kits are primarily for aesthetic purposes. However, they are inexpensive, let you sit a little higher while driving and allow for larger tires or wheels. Some people combine small body lifts with their suspension lifts.

Get Started

Lifted Jeeps look great and are a fun way to customize your vehicle. Whether you just want to ride a little higher or go all out with big Jeep Wrangler off road tires and a large suspension lift, you can do so with a lift kit. Check out some of the options for your generation of Jeep. If you aren’t experienced with mechanical work, consider hiring a professional to do the installation.

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Jeep Lift Kits: How to Choose the Right One appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

Traditionally, Jeep is bringing alone an entire 4×4 fleet at the event, and the selection for this year is really exceptional, comprising exquisite off-roaders with plenty of hardcore parts from Mopar via Jeep Performance Parts. The concept lineup is thoroughly described below.

Jeep 4×4 Concepts at 2018 Easter Safari:

Jeep Wagoneer Roadtrip – a mixture between classic Jeep elements and state-of-the-art chassis made from steel with wider track, massive wheels arches, Dana 44 front and rear axles with lockers, 17-inch steel wheels wrapped in 33-inch BG Goodrich Mud-Terrain tires, four-link suspension system with coil-overs, and 5.7-liter V8 engine under the hood.

Jeep 4SPEED – based on the new Wrangler, comprising carbon fiber bonnet and wheel arches, carbon rear tub, perforated aluminum pedals, 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels with 35-inch tires, a 2.0-liter turbo flat-four with 201 kW.

Jeep Sandstorm – exceptionally represented by Dynatrac 60 axles with 5.68 gear ratio, 39.5-inch BF Krawler tires, custom suspension system, roll bars, under-body protection with side rails, Mopar`s massive 6.4-liter V8-liter mill with six-speed manual transmission.

Jeep B-Ute – features 1.5-inch lift kit, massive wheels, special roof rack and rails, and plenty of other Performance Parts. Under the hood, it uses a 2.4-liter Tigershark flat-four cylinder engine.

Jeep Jeepster – is based on the new Wrangler Rubicon, extensively-modified with 2.0-inch lift kit, beadlock massive alloy wheels, LED off-road lights, bespoke cold-air intake and snorkel, two-tone colour paintjob and so on.

Jeep Nacho – is signed by Mopar and offered with a wide array of aftermarket parts, like LED light packs, 17-inch beadlock wheels finished in satin-carbon, 2.0-inch lift kit, Katzkin leather seats, Rubicon steel bumper bars and so on.

Jeep J-Wagon – my favourite concept, features five-inch LED lights, 17-inch slot-style alloy wheels finished in Brass Monkey and wrapped in 35-inch KM3 BF tires, JPP bonnet with Brass Monkey latches and much more.

Photo details will be released at the 2018 Easter Safari, taking place in Moab, Utah between March 24 –April 1. Stay tuned!

Source: PerformanceDrive

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For this year`s final auto show taking place in L.A. at the end of November, the joint venture has prepared some special goodies, including the new 2018 Wrangler with more than 200 pieces from Mopar.

Even if the 2018 Mopar Jeep Wrangler is thoroughly described in the video below, we thought it might come handy to say a few nice words about this gorgeous edition.

First off, the car`s look has been improved thanks to the new Mopar parts, which make it stand-out from the crowd. Adding lift kids, beadlock-capable wheels and off-road bumpers, Mopar`s accessories make the 2018 Jeep Wrangler more attractive, especially if we take into consideration the massive and exaggerated 37-inch alloy wheels and 2-inch lift kit. With the latter add-on, the Mopar Wrangler is capable of dealing with all sorts of terrains on all sorts of weather conditions.

When Mopar equipped the 2018 Wrangler with its own parts, it also took notice of the car`s performance. Why using a lift kit and other cool stuff designed for rough terrains if the power juice is not provided? Fortunately, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler has got all it takes to prove it is worthy of getting personalized with Mopar stuff – at least a 300 horsepower 3.6-liter V16 petrol burner equips this “tiny little off-roader”.

There are also other important visual enhancements that round up the car`s good looks, like LED off-road lights, bespoke rock rails – adding in a premiere roof rack and tailgate table – fold-down windshield, round headlamps, square tail lamp, the latest safety features and plenty of technological gizmos inside the cabin.

Hoping that we have aroused interest in such an exclusive ride especially created by Mopar for the 2017 L.A. Auto Show, you are now invited to watch the official video of the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler with Mopar`s own accessories! Enjoy and feel free to tell us what you think of it!

The post Video: 2018 Jeep Wrangler by Mopar Gets Ready for the Final Show in L.A. appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

There are five variants available for the Land Down Under, with a new Trailhawk version introduced as well, which adds more updates as opposed to the previous model.

2017 Jeep Cherokee – Full Prices:

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo RWD 3.6 petrol – $47,500
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD 3.6 petrol – $52,500
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD 3.0 diesel – $59,000
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 3.6 petrol – $65,200
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD 3.0 diesel – $69,00
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD 3.0 diesel – $74,000
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4WD 3.0 diesel – $80,000
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 4WD 6.4 petrol – $91,000.

All variants come slightly updated in terms of design – we are dealing here with new front fascia and LED fog lights, a choice of 18-, 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels, adding as well six fresh exterior colours. The interior is also coming with new tweaks – high-quality materials, improvement infotainment system – along with the latest safety features – LaneSense lane departure warning and automatic parking assistance, adn so on.

In the engine department, the all-new 2017 Jeep Cherokee comes with the entry-level 3.6-liter petrol burner in the Laredo, with 213 kW and 347 Nm of torque, and continues with the Limited version, with 184 kW and 570 Nm of torque. The diesel side comprises the new Trailhawk and Overland variants, with a 6.4-liter V8 SRT, developing an impressive 344 kW and 624 Nm of torque.

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Now, we have more good news on the go, Jeep announcing a top of the line Trailhawk off-roader, soon to join the Compass lineup in the United States.

Even if the model was somehow announced earlier this year, we still have little details concerning the model. But what we do know is that this particular version won`t lack the plethora of equipment designed for off-road capabilities, which is something that the present model is currently missing.

We are looking here at a wide range of features at the exterior, designed to cope with off-road conditions, including new body trimmings with scratch-resistant plastic around the wheel arches and on the lower front and rear body sections, special tow hooks, as well as new alloy wheels wrapped in massive and high-performance tires.

Once arriving on the market, the all-new Jeep Compass Trailhawk will stand on the same platform also underpinning the Renegade Trailhawk, with rather the same body dimension and specs as the standard Compass.

Important characteristics that will separate it from the standard Compass refer to the aforementioned wider tires, advanced traction control system, low-range gearing, 29.1º approach angle and 33.1º departure angle.

In the engine department, we should expect the same 2.4-liter flat-four engine, the same found on the Renegade Trailhawk, adding a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline mill, hooked to a nine-speed automatic transmission. We also expect some engines borrowed from Brazil`s-only 2.0-liter Hurricane turbo and 2.0-liter diesel, with 167 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The post Topper 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk Is just around the Corner appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

The Trailhawk is the latest edition to the Grand Cherokee lineup, which is a clear indication that the company is looking to add-up something fresh. And the new SUV version is indeed considered unique, thanks to the design and performance.

We are looking here at rather the same Grand Cherokee model, only that it is now coming with some new elements…which make it a new model. The standout features refer to the Quadra-Lift air suspension which can raise the car`s ride height up to 274 mm, and adding some cool safety features, like hill descent control or hill ascent.

Other important characteristics also refer to 18-inch alloy wheels with massive tires, front and rear row hooks, limited-slip differential at the rear axle, skid plates, and so on.

Inside, the cabin is also tweaked with the latest tweaks and gizmos, including the eight-inch Uconnect interface with controls and functions, adding piano black trimmings, gun-metal finishes, red stitching, leather and suede upholstery and much more.

In the engine department, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokess Trailhawk comes is equipped with the new 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine, a 3.0-liter V6 diesel and a massive HEMI V8. The performance figures will be released at a later date.

The post Jeep Announces New Grand Cherokee Trailhawk for Australia Mid-2017 appeared first on Ultimate Car Blog | The Latest Car News, Reviews, Tuning.

And this my friends will make it the most powerful SUV in the world. Once it will arrive next year, the SUV in question will be using a massive Hellcat engine which will place is right above the 6.4 HEMI SRT, meaning lots of power, with around 500 kW on board.

However, before its arrival, Cherokee has hinted at the idea that there would be a pre-production model of the Trackhawk, set to come with a detuned engine and power. And the video below might preview our model in question.

Even so, by watching the video, you can hear the “quiet” sound of a supercharger engine, denoting lots of power and torque. According to rumors, this lad here would come with power between 400-450 kW, being sent to all wheels, and not to the front, as most of the Hellcat versions. With the new power, the SUV will be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mind-blowing 3.6 seconds, which is fantastic.

The SUV`s sporting features will have effect on the interior as well, the cabin presuming coming with a roll cage as well, which manufacturers use when a muscle car is usually involved.

Besides the raw power and sporty interior, the Trackhawk is also said to come with a lot of mechanics, like massive Brembo brakes, the same found on the Charger and Challenger, wide alloys and tires, as well as more performance suspension system, which will improve the car`s handling and driving capabilities.

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