BFG, now with bigger meat.
Jeep News & Rumors
* The Wall Street Journal reports that Jeep sales are down 23 percent from 1999-2004. The SUV segment is up 47 percent.
* The Liberty will get the Electronic Stability Program as standard equipment for 2006.
* More than 100,000 '05 Grand Cherokees with the 3.7L and auto tranny will be recalled to check for condensed-water leakage from the A/C system into the transmission-fluid case via the fill tube grommet seal, which could contaminate the fluid and lead to a shudder during torque-converter clutch engagement. Tranny operating temps could also increase, with the boiling fluid puking out into the engine compartment, possibly resulting in an underhood fire.
* But wait, there's more. Some '05 Jeeps will also be recalled because of issues with an inability to shift into Park.
* A poll by Kelley Blue Book found that 43 percent of drivers in the 16-25 age group want to drive a Jeep Wrangler (or a Ford Mustang). Their parents would prefer to see them in a, zzzzzzzz, Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.
Auto Graphs
* A recent article in the Corvallis Gazette-Times draws attention to the fact that while shared platforms, designs, and parts can save automakers money, the multiple-vehicle recalls negate the development and build savings. A record-breaking 30.6 million vehicles were recalled in 2004, up six million from the previous record set in 2000.
* A new Pew Poll claims that eight out of 10 people think Americans need to switch from SUVs to fuel-efficient vehicles, while six in 10 said el presidente Bush isn't going the correct route for solving energy problems. This information isn't ground-breaking. We just wanted to say "Pew Poll."
* New-pope Benedict scored a complimentary BMW X5.
* Apparently in the works is a chip for the cell phone or PDA that would be able to "sense" an auto accident and then automatically call 911. They swear it would know the difference between a crash and kissing pavement from user stupidity.
* The Interceptor from the original Mad Max flick is on eBay for AU $20,000 reserve.
* Honda presented the W.O.W. concept in Japan, which stands for "wonderfully open-hearted wagon." The Lifetime-Television-for-Women-named vehicle has one goal: to be dog-friendly. There is a special crate in the glove compartment so drivers can "interact" with their pets while driving, as well as a larger one in the backseat that can be stowed away when you don't want to see doggie anymore (or if it's not around). The W.O.W. flooring is removable and washable (which is why they said a good side effect of designing for animals is that it all works for the elderly too). The W.O.W. also features a button on the seat for self-neutering of the driver.
"Look, ma, I'm in the magazine!"
Industry News
* In our May issue, we told you about STaK's 4x4 Monster Box three-speed transfer case, which had 1:1 3.05:1 and 5.44:1 gear ratios. Now we're hearing that not only is a 1:1, 2.43:1, and 4.33:1 model coming. But there's also a built-in overdrive version too with a 1:1, a 4.33:1 and a 0.79:1. The company is also supposedly addressing clearance issues for narrow frames with the B-box case for both right and left front outputs. Check out www.stak4x4.com for updates.* Advance Adapters recently showed off its four-speed Atlas. It features a 2.72:1 planetary (from an NV241HD transfer case) in place of the standard Atlas II input. The added planetary can be shifted by cable or with an optional electric shifter. There will be two ratio combinations available 1:1, 2.0:1, 2.72:1 and combined 5.44:1, as well as a much deeper model with 1:1, 2.72:1, 3.8:1, and an unbelievable (and possibly way overkill) 10.34:1 combined gear! * Tires, tires, and more tires: For 2006, BFGoodrich will offer the Krawler T/A in a new size, 39x13.50R17. ProComp's Xtreme A/T also gets a new size for the new year: 38.5/14.50R20, while the Xterrain rubber will add 38.5/14.50R17.* PIAA has kicked off the brand-new PIAA Racing Products Business Unit, which will develop and market competition-specific lighting products for off-road, rallye, and endurance racing.* Pep Boys donated $5,000 to the Blue Ribbon Coalition.
The Commander and Liberty's "love," er, I'm just not that into you child.
Quote Without Story
"It raises the question of what Jeep stands for. People will see products with the Jeep name that don't look rugged."
-- Susan Jacobs, president of Jacobs & Associates, on the new batch of Jeeps revealed.
Jp Employee Quote
"What are you more afraid of, ghosts or aliens?" -- Random guy
"I guess a ghost, 'cause I could shoot an alien."
-- Editor Cappa
(P.S. Editor Cappa forced us to run this "hilarious" quote from him. The message for the kids out there is clear: Don't drink, and stay in school.)