It ain't a pretty picture


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20743583/site/newsweek/

All they have to do is put the V6 Cummins Diesel and VM Motori Diesel in some revamped vehicles. A Midsize truck for Dodge with the Cummins and the Jeep Gladiator with either the Cummins or VM. Put a small 2.0L Diesel in the Patriot. Build the Trailhawk with Diesel AWD on a smaller scale to replace Grand Cherokee. Keep the Wrangler and add a Diesel Option. Even with gassers, use the smaller platforms to get better EPA estimates but don't skimp on quality of product or SERVICE.

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Founder of L.O.S.T.
2006 CRD Sport
Mods: GDE Hot Tune w/ 364#@2000rpm/Air Box /3" Str8 Exhaust/ASFIR Alum Skids/245-75R-16 Cooper STT PRO/OME LIFT w/Clevis & 4 Spring Isos/AirTabs/Rigid 10" S2 LED/4xGuard Ctr Matrix Bumper
Drag Strip:Reac=.1078_60ft=2.224_1/8=10.39@64.8mph_1/4+16.46@80.8mph

If you look @ http://jeep.com.au/ & http://jeep.co.uk/ it's depressing to see all the CRD options avaliable overseas. But because of the new emissions standards, and older generations (I'm 26) memories of the big 3's poor diesel conversions of the late 70's it's still difficult for diesel to gain any traction here in a passenger/suv market.

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06 Jeep KJ CRD Sport full Mopar skids, front tow hooks, rear hitch shackle, Magnaflow muffler, Samco Sport CAC hoses, 02 Airbox mod, Unique series 42 steel wheels.

I agree its time to cull the herd on the Jeep line. in the $18-28k price range there is a boatload (or should I say Commander-load?) of overlap.

I know I won't be popular for saying this on the owners forum but its time to kill the KK. Given the scarce resources Chrysler has and the contracting market for Truck based true SUVs the KK is neither here nor there.

The Patriot is a better competitor in the CUV/Car on Stilts category while the 4 Door Wrangler offers better off road capability and after market support for the hard core in the same size/weight/price class as the KK. All they need to do is offer a manual transmission 2.5-3L diesel JK and a pickup version and they have another classic along the lines of the XJ.

If they can built a transmission that can last the smaller Cummins in the 1/2 ton Ram has promise as well.

The Jeep UK site has a good article where they compare the CRD JK with the Land Rover Defender
http://jeep.co.uk/jeep/pdf/wranglervsdefender.pdf