Starting later this year, diesel variants of the all new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wrangler will be readily available. “We think that the market is ready to listen to a diesel story,” Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne said recently.

Sure, a diesel Wrangler or SUV from Jeep will run you about $1500 over base MSRP. But look at the long term numbers:

Average diesel fuel costs in North America average near $3.87 a gallon, while regular unleaded is $3.39, and $3.66 for premium.

However, diesel engines are 30% to 35% more fuel efficient. Also on average, combined miles per gallon come to 40. In the end, you’ll have to decide if diesel is worth an investment.

Source, photo: USA Today

Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel is slated to join the lineup ‘next year’, without any specific date released as of yet.

According to reports, “The Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel is expected to join the lineup in 2013 (it is unclear whether it will be a 2013 or 2014 model year vehicle) after a hiatus since last being available stateside in 2008.”

Diesel powered Grand Cherokee is expected to offer a massive torque output while helping the company improve overall fuel economy ratings.

Those attending the 2012 North American International Auto Show next week in Detroit should keep an eye open for this variant, along with Chrysler’s Maserati Kubang, making its first American visit.

Source: Torque News

Among good company (ie: Jeep’s sibling brands, including Fiat) the auto maker took home top honors.

2012′s 4-Door Wrangler has been named “Hottest 4×4 SUV” by SEMA officials.

Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Mopar, had this to say about the achievement: “I think what is outstanding is that we won for our iconic vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler, and with the just-introduced Fiat 500. It tells the story of both the heritage of the brand and the new story of the brand.”

Mopar products are available from San Francisco, CA to Richmond, VA for Jeep enhancements.

“Vehicles that show up here at SEMA are a clear indication of what our industry sees as the movers and shakers, which are going to be leading the trends, which will be the trendsetting models in the upcoming year,” added SEMA CEO Christopher Kersting.

Source | Images: AutoWeek

You got it, gamers – it’s the 2012 Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 (Modern Warfare 3) special edition. Based on Jeep Wrangler’s Rubicon SUV variant, this special edition includes 32-inch off-road tires, wrapped around gorgeous semi-gloss black rims, axles with locking differentials, and a two-speed transfer case. Inside, black leather seats with contrasting stitching sport the Call of Duty logo.

Other features include a power-dome hood, front bumper attached winch-capable, tail lamp guards of course the Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition graphics on front fenders and spare tire cover.

Source: World Car Fans

Stuart Luginbuhl of Ohio, along with the assistance of his father and uncle, built an entire body around the frame of this WWII Jeeps. The body is built with 1-1/2 inch oak posts and plywood bolted to the body. The rear was extended 16 inches and had Plexiglas rear windows.

A station wagon by John A. Bennett Jr. of Detroit conforms to the jeep’s original frame. The doors are built out of maple, and the panels plywood.

Leo S. Hoyt, Tide of New Hampshire used sheet iron for the top of his WWII Jeep, and Masonite for the doors. He moved the rear seat alongside the driver’s seat, which could now carry two people in addition to the driver.

Source: Modern Mechanix

According to sources at PickupTrucks.com, CEO Mike Manley has said that “resources at Chrysler are all tied up in other projects at the moment. With the full brunt of the company’s operations directed towards transmission and small car development, there’s simply not enough cash on hand to go creating a whole new member of the Jeep family.”

Manley added when new Jeep models hit American dealerships, they will also launch in international markets. He also said the company can “easily see a metric-ton version of the pickup selling well outside the States.”

PickupTrucks.com stated that Southeast Asian and European markets are particularly fond of trucks with cargo capacities of around 2,205 pounds.

Source: autoblog

The Blade reports, that aside from this minor change on front grille features, Wrangler’s 2012 model will come with the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, producing 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Jeep’s current 3.8-liter V6 only comes with 202 hp and 237 lb-ft of torque.

Aside from the new engine, 2012′s Wrangler will feature a five-speed automatic transmission, which will offer better fuel efficiency than the current four-speed one.

Source: wcf

These pictures showcase possible designs for the Wrangler ‘Renegade’ and ‘Pork Chop’ concepts. Details are limited at this time, but the Renegade appears to have “a styling package that includes a bulging hood, unique wheels, and exclusive badging,” according to World Car Fans.

The Wrangler Pork Chop is a “rough-and-ready rock crawler with a full roll-cage, flush bumpers, and streamlined fender flares.”

Stay tuned to check out the six concepts being unveiled at the 45th annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari.

Via World Car Fans