Jeep Babe of the Past

Jeep Babe of the Week

Eclipse Sun Shade Review

Ditch the SPF 50.  The new Rugged Ridge has you covered.  I purchased the Eclipse Sun Shade a week ago (http://www.justforjeeps.com/ecsunsh.html) and now I'm made in the shade.

Every Summer Jeep owners tear off their tops to explore the sun soaked back trails in search of new adventure. Living in the northeast, I'm itching to fly but that broiling summer sun bakes me like a final Algebra exam. One needs relief and this is where the Eclipse Sun Shade comes to the rescue.  Installation is a no brainer, (no modifications), and the result is like casting a spider web canopy over your head that leaves the sunlight but lessens it's harshness. The mesh extends from the rear crossbar of a JK over to the windshield and eliminates the need for a header channel. And, you don't have worry about storage space, the sun shade folds snugly into a small carrying bag.

The best part about this Bad Boy:  it's a great Jeep option and only sets you back 100 bucks.

Willys Travels the Globe

What began in battle but is now built for better times, Jeep's tire tracks span the entire globe.  This 4x4 slab of sturdy craftsmanship first left its mark on the battlefields of Europe. Now even the most unlikely countries have been branded by this unique American masterpiece. 

After World War II, the US sold or gifted many of their Willys Jeeps to the Philippines. Not looking a gifted horse in the mouth the savvy Flipinos took us one better and flipped the Jeep notion into the most popular mode of transportation in the country. "The Jeepney", a combination of Jeep and Jitney (a small franchised bus) has transformed the way Jeeps are viewed today. The Filipinos injected innovation into these Jeepney's by stripping down and altering their decor. Canopies for better shade and air made a new convertible top and the fresh painted bodies in vibrant colors and the added kitsch elements made the style a hit with civilians. The simple long bench seating was up close and personal. The passengers crammed to fill the small buses and after a short trip the riders were either best buddies or they leapt off the vehicle tearing at their faces in a claustrophobic fit.  The best part of the Jeepney story is the ingenuity of a culture reinterpreting a wartime design and blending this new American idea into their culture and lives. In a strange twist of affairs the Jeepney became so popular (its image was used by the Philippines for the 1964 World's Fair) that the government regulated its use to only bus transportation. Weird. 

Converting used military Jeeps as a way to bum your pals around the rugged Philippine terrain evolved into a national symbol. Just another way that Jeep has changed the way we drive.

2018 Jeep Wrangler to Focus on Fuel Econonmy

Just the Facts:

• The redesigned 2018 Jeep Wrangler will focus on fuel economy and weight reduction, according to Mike Manley, president and CEO of the Jeep brand.
• Innovations in vehicle structure and engines are expected to boost MPG without hurting capability.
• "We have to make sure that vehicle survives," Manley said on Thursday at a Chrysler product event.

CHELSEA, Michigan — Jeep boss Mike Manley said the automaker needs to find innovative methods to reduce weight and boost fuel economy in the redesigned 2018 Jeep Wrangler in order to meet stiff MPG regulations without weakening capability.

In a wide-ranging interview with reporters during a Chrysler product event at the proving grounds here, Manley said the company is attempting to boost Grand Cherokee production, expects Land Rover to develop a new model targeted at Wrangler and said the Jeep Cherokee is a candidate for a diesel engine.

Chrysler Group is in the process of developing the redesigned Wrangler, focusing on fuel economy, weight reduction and capability, he said.

"We must be innovative in terms of what we do for the next Wrangler because clearly we have to make sure that vehicle survives into the future," Manley said. "It is vital for the brand."

Federal regulations require automakers to boost the fuel economy of their vehicles annually through 2025.

The 2014 Jeep Wrangler 4WD with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and either a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed automatic transmission returns 17 mpg in city driving and 21 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.

"You will see continued improvements in powertrains," he said. "It is a major focus for us. We have a lot of experts working on this project."

Manley said the redesigned Wrangler will have its own platform, unlike the Chrysler 200, Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee that were developed on a Fiat platform.

"There will be no compromises," he said. "It has to be its own architecture. When I think about the next-generation Wrangler at this moment in time, we are the benchmark, so I want to push the benchmark even further."

The current Wrangler competes with the 2014 Nissan Xterra, Toyota 4Runner and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Manley expects Land Rover to develop a vehicle that is targeted at the Wrangler.

"I have no doubt that Land Rover will come into the fight with a product," he said. "They are an incredibly well-known brand on a global basis. It would be incredibly naive of me to not watch Land Rover very closely."

He did not suggest a possible time period for such a move.

Manley said a diesel engine will be considered for the Jeep Cherokee when the diesel take-rate for the Grand Cherokee doubles. It currently stands at 8 percent.

"I never rule anything out in terms of diesel for the Jeep brand," he said.

Jeep Babe of the Week

Jeep Goes Hollywood

We won't admit it but we are all influenced by celebrities. There's someone in Tinseltown that we relate to in some way. The Stars' gift is his image. Image is what also makes us chose a car. We need the vehicle to say something about us. 

Jeep's an outdoor vehicle with the chops to get us out of any jam the great outdoors throws around with style. This is why we buy Jeep. But say we see Justin Timberlake hop out of a souped-up Wrangler with a Mocha Soy Latte, designer jeans and hair plugs, does that change our perception of Jeep or does it register a few notches higher on our “cool scale”? More than likely this is not what most Jeep drivers connect with, but don’t let that bother you. Celebs are goofy and if anything it may make you realize that you actually have something in common with these arty eccentrics.

We know the celebs won't bother to make the trip to Jeep Jamboree USA and that’s okay, we really don't need their help to celebrate Jeep.  Anyone can live the Jeep lifestyle but when I see a Wrangler reworked like a botched face lift, I draw the line. Come on, don’t defeat the purpose of an off-road vehicle by going with shiny rims and thin tires. Ride high, put some BF Goodrichs on and surrender to the depth of all that is Jeep. Celebrities by nature think anything they do is cool and different, like they know something we don’t, but now I'm stating the case for some authentic Jeep conformity. Yeah, and I’m talking to you Sean Penn.

I've said it once, I'll say it again: Moab is one of the most amazing places I've ever been for both off roading and scenery.

XJ Storage?! Yes please!!!

Barbie called, she wants her Jeep back.

Boom.

Caption Contest. Go.

Wake Up With Paige Wyatt

She truly is a diamond in the rough.

The pulse of our nation. Jeep.

Keep on keeping. High Five.

Represent.

Smokeshow of the day! via AirSociety

Caption Contest. Go.

"There is Only One"