The new Jeep Cherokee is upon us. Be on the look out for it if you happen to attend the 84th Geneva International Motor Show. The fourth generation of the mid-sized SUV is sophisticated, off-roadish, torquey and downright ugly/pretty (it’s a hate-it-or-love-it thing so we will refrain from judgement).Coming to Europe in three trim levels – Longtitude, Limited, and Traillhawk – the new Cherokee is supposed to boldly introduce a new face of the Jeep brand…. while remaining “true to the brand”. Every car manufacturer is quick to underline that no matter how outlandsih the final product turns out to be.
Well, there is some truth to that. One of the available engines (only with the Limited and Trailhawk editions) bares the legacy-laden Pentastar V6 label. Although there is quite a lot of power to go around – 272 hp and 315 Nm – the volume has been downsized from 3.6- to 3.2-liters. It’s not only some 30 percent more economical than before but is also more refined with less noise and vibrations.
But that’s all top-of-the-line talk. What about the people that can do without all the six cylnders and the foot-long gas bill? How about a 2.0-liter Multijet II turbo diesel engine mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox? Yes, 9-speed. But we’ll get to that later. Fiat’s Multijet (common rail) tech can shoot up fuel into the cylinders with a pressure value of up to 1,600 bar thus ensuring smoothness and frugality throughout the cycle. All the while, a variable geometry turbocharger and a double overhead camshaft controlling 16 valves in total get the Cherokee’s power rated at 170 hp and 350 Nm (the latter peaking at just 1,500 rpm).
Then there’s the transmission. Are they going for a world record here? Not only 9-speeds but also 40 individual automatic shift maps corresponding to different conditions. The involved software has to consider, among other things, variables such as the engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and grade changes just so that you and I be always on the right gear.
There is a 140 hp version of the same diesel engine available (mated to a six-speed manual) and another gasoline 2.4-liter engine with 177 hp and 229 Nm at its disposal. The latter of the two, however, will be only available in Russia and the Middle East.
After choosing the right power plant for you, you’ll have to spend another month deciding which 4×4 system to go with. There’s the Jeep Active Drive I (Longitude and Limited models) – a single power transfer unit that is still fully automatic and works its magic in the background. It features a fully-variable wet clutch, housed in the rear drive module, which works in unison with the Cherokee’s ESC system for optimum traction on almost any surface. The Jeep Active Drive II is a more advanced version of the aforementioned (Limited only). It has a two-speed power transfer unit with torque management and a low-range mode (4-Low). It Locks the front and rear drive shafts for low speed power or towing. Essentially, the greater the gear reduction, the better the climbing capabilities of the vehicle. Finally there’s the standard on all Trailhawk Jeep Active Drive Lock package. It includes the Active Drive II system plus a locking differential. As such, the new Cherokee becomes as off-road capable as it will ever be.
On a side note, all 4×4 options feature a standard user-operated Selec-Terrain traction control system that controls way too many of the Cherokee’s systems: drivetrain control module, electronic brake controller, ESC, transmission controller, powertrain controller and Selec-Speed Control (Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control). Also, all are not necessarily 4×4 all the time. They use a rear-axle disconnect module that reduces energy loss when AWD is not required.
Finally, it needs to be mentioned that the new Cherokee’s structure implements a high-resistance steel body (65%). Combine that rigid structure with 70+ safety features and you’ve got yourself a very safe environment for both everyday situations and extreme circumstances.
Good job, Jeep!
Source: Jeep
Alfa Romeo might not have much cars to show on the 2012 Geneva Auto Show (they have only two production vehicles at the moment) but they are betting on technology and choice. There will be four Giulietta models and three Mitto cars taking the stand. Some of them will feature the Fiat group 0.9 TwinAir Turbo “International engine of the year 2011”, many will be coupled with the Alfa TCT (double clutched transmission) and will also feature Distinctive and Quadrifoglio Verde trim levels.
The MY2012 Fiat Punto range offers unrivaled diversity that is intended to fit every need a customer might have. New trim levels, exterior revisions, paint finishes and ten engine choices among which the brilliant TwinAir “International Engine of the Year 2011” are all in store for us in the coming year.
Fiat has announced the price list for the new 
Fiat has announced the price list for MY2012 Punto. The small city car is priced from just £9 990 OTR for the Pop 1.2 8-valve model. It hits the UK market this month and represents outstanding value for money.
Fiat has released 2012 Sedici, which is already available to order. The model is very successful with its more than 76 000 units registered from 2006 until now. The vehicle is actually the best-selling compact SUV in Italy. Still, we wonder why?
Fiat is going to release Limited Edition ot its famous 500 model. „Blackjack” is finished in a matte black paint with glossy door handles and mirror housings. Furthermore, it features new 16” wheels with matte black frame and red brake calipers.
The Fiat 500 has been the forerunner of many new technologies and features such as Start&Stop, along with eco:Drive, Blue&Me, and Euro 5 engines. Now, Fiat’s popular range of city cars is to be further enhanced with the introduction of a powerful new 1.3-litre 16-valve MultiJet diesel engine.
Think small cars and a string of super-successful Fiats should spring to mind: the ground-breaking 600, the trend-setting 127, the innovative Uno, and progressive Punto.
The first Fiat Doblo, which came in 2001 was ugly. After that in 2005 it received a facelift and became even uglier. Now we are expecting the ugliest version of Doblo.