Drew Dowdell

Jeep Expands Vehicle Lineup with New Grand Cherokee and Liberty Models 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Overland Summit the most luxurious, distinctive and comprehensively equipped production Jeep vehicle ever 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet combines vehicle's renowned capability with unique upscale appearance Both new models available in Jeep showrooms next month Slideshow: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit Slideshow: 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet November 16, 2010 , Los Angeles, CA. - A pair of new Jeep vehicles – the Jeep® Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and the Jeep Liberty Renegade – make their debut today here at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both vehicles expand the reach of the iconic brand's lineup, offering legendary Jeep capability in new, unique, premium editions. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is unquestionably the most luxurious, distinctive and comprehensively equipped Jeep vehicle ever produced, while the new Liberty Jet expands Liberty's appeal, delivering its best-in-class capability in an upscale appearance. "While core Jeep enthusiasts will certainly love these vehicles, the new Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Liberty Jet models are in direct response to consumers in the premium end of the spectrum asking us for our unique, benchmark capability in stunning, luxurious packages," said Mike Manley, President and CE0 – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "These new vehicles deliver the premium attributes that a growing portion of our customers are asking for, and at the same time, are certain to draw new customers into Jeep showrooms." The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit and Jeep Liberty Jet models arrive in dealerships next month. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit Available in a new, exclusive Rugged Brown paint scheme, sporting a unique front appearance that includes a fully chromed grille and fog lamp bezels, and riding on 20-inch bright, polished aluminum wheels, the Overland Summit model elevates the all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee to new levels of indulgence and refinement for drivers seeking the ultimate personal driving statement in a premium sport-utility vehicle. Inside, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee features unique Black Olive burl real wood trim blended into the instrument panel. The distinctive polished trim wraps into the upper panels of both the front and rear doors surrounding passengers with the highest levels of craftsmanship. The wood trim is also used on the standard, leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel. The Grand Cherokee Overland Summit boasts a Black lower and New Saddle upper interior trim color, along with saddle-color Nappa heated and ventilated leather seats – with perforated inserts, accent piping and unique stitching – and Berber floor mats with Black and Chestnut accent binding. Standard on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is the Advanced Warning System and Adaptive Cruise Control group, which consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-path detection systems. In addition to the unique Rugged Brown exterior color, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is also available in Mineral Gray, White Gold and Black. The Grand Cherokee Overland Summit edition available at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $42,495 (plus $780 destination) for 4x2 models, and $45,995 (plus $780 destination) for 4x4 versions. 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet The 2011 Jeep Liberty Jet appearance package is available on Liberty Sport and Limited models. Exterior features on the new Liberty Jet include 20-inch polished aluminum wheels fitted with P245/50R20 all-season tires; chrome lower fascia opening, body side moldings, license plate brow, roof rails and mirror caps; blacked-out headlamps; and unique 'Jet' badging. The new 2011 Liberty Jet is offered in four exterior colors: Bright Silver, Dark Charcoal, Brilliant Black and Blackberry. Inside, the Jeep Liberty Jet edition boasts a 9-speaker premium audio system; a standard security system that includes supplemental side-curtain air bags and Park Sense rear park assist; available Dark Slate Gray leather seating with accent stitching; heated front seats, available with six-way power function for the driver and two-way for the passenger; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; and one-touch up/down power windows. The Liberty Jet option package is available at a U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,495 on Liberty Sport models and $995 on Liberty Limited models. Jeep Brand Built on 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. With the greatest range of SUVs under one brand, the Jeep vehicle portfolio consists of: Compass: A compact SUV with a modern, urban design that delivers unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy, freedom, utility, and Jeep 4x4 cachet and capability, all at a terrific value. Compass will receive significant (to be announced) improvements for 2011 Grand Cherokee: The most capable and luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, balancing legendary Jeep capability with sophistication to deliver a premium driving experience for all adventures Liberty: The mid-size SUV from Jeep that offers Jeep Trail Rated® 4x4 capability combined with on-road refinement and numerous innovative features, including the industry-exclusive full-length Sky Slider® open canvas roof Patriot: A compact SUV delivering the fun, adventure and value only Jeep can offer, with unsurpassed 4x4 fuel economy and segment-leading capability. Rugged styling is enhanced for 2011 with new front and rear fascias, grille, cladding and increased 4x4 ride height. Patriot's updated interior features upgraded materials and soft touch points, and retuned steering and suspension systems improve the overall ride and handling experience in all conditions Wrangler: The icon of the Jeep brand, it remains true to its heritage as the original fun-and-freedom machine. For 2011, it boasts an all-new interior, and a premium body-color hardtop for Sahara models Wrangler Unlimited: The only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers, Wrangler Unlimited receives an all-new interior for 2011, and a premium body-color hardtop for Sahara models. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models are sold outside North America – and all are available in right-hand-drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world. Gallery: 2011 Jeep Liberty Gallery: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit

Given the history of MT COTY, it is not being used as an indicator of future reliability.

Again, GM has out paced Toyota's profits on $32 billion in revenue in just one quarter...... almost everything we know about the ATS is wild speculation except body styles and platform. The best we can guess about the XTS is that it has at least the abilities of the Lacrosse/9-5 neither of which are sports cars, but handle very well in their respective segments.

Since when is the XTS supposed to out handle the CTS? The S-class can't out handle the C-Class. The 7-series can't out handle the 3-series. Yes there is technological innovation, but there is still Sir Issac Newton to consider assuming technology is applied equally. I'd wager quite a bit that the Lacrosse AND XTS could out handle your Aurora without breaking a sweat.

GM is substantially more flexible than they were even just a year ago. The only way you'd be happy is if GM just threw in the towel and rebadged BMWs... but then you'd still find some "intangible" to bark about

because you've driven one right? You have ZERO idea how it will handle. It will be at least as good as the Lacrosse, which while not a 'Ring burner, can certainly hold it's own. With Magnaride, the XTS should be even better. As far as the sound, I would expect a car like this to be silent. Especially with a 2-mode hybrid since it can get up to 30mph in electric only mode. "Intangibles", by definition, are just bunk that BMW drivers use to justify their purchase.

In the case of the XTS, your concerns about the lack of torque in the V6 are mitigated by the 2-mode hybrid system. Hybrid systems make their best torque at ZERO rpm. V8s just aren't necessary for good low end torque anymore. The Ecoboost V6 makes more torque than the Northstar ever did at a lower rpm than the Northstar ever could.

Production began today.

Chevrolet Volt Named Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year Chevrolet takes home this year's Car of the Year award for the Chevrolet Volt. More details after the jump. Chevrolet Volt take home 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year

Chevrolet Volt Named Motor Trend 2011 Car of the Year DETROIT – Motor Trend magazine, one of the world's premier automotive authorities, today named the Chevrolet Volt the 2011 Motor Trend Car of the Year. "We expected a science experiment, but this is a moon shot," Motor Trend editors wrote for the January 2011 issue. "The Volt delivers on the promise of the vehicle concept as originally outlined by GM, combining the smooth, silent, efficient, low-emissions capability of an electric motor with the range and flexibility of an internal combustion engine. It is a fully functional, no-compromise compact automobile that offers consumers real benefits in terms of lower running costs." Many of those benefits are due to the Volt's groundbreaking propulsion system. As the world's first electric vehicle with extended range capability, the Chevrolet Volt has a total driving range of about 350 miles. For the first 25 to 50 miles, the Volt drives gas- and tailpipe-emissions-free using electricity stored in its 16-kWh lithium-ion battery. When the Volt's battery runs low, a gas powered engine/generator seamlessly operates to extend the driving range more than 300 miles on a full tank. The Motor Trend Car of the Year award was presented to Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman for Global Product Operations, at the General Motors wind tunnel in Warren, Mich. Aero dynamics engineers there helped develop an equally revolutionary design: With a drag coefficient of .28, the Volt is also the most aerodynamic sedan in Chevrolet's history. Lowering the drag coefficient increases the vehicle's efficiency, as less energy is used to overcome air pressure. As an example, aerodynamics contributes up to eight miles of electric range, and 40 miles of extended range. "Chevrolet is truly honored to receive one of the world's most coveted automotive awards," said Stephens. "The Volt team has worked under extraordinary circumstances to produce this breakthrough vehicle." The full report from Motor Trend appears in the January issue of the magazine (on newsstands in early-December) and online at www.motortrend.com. General Motors last received the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 2008, for the Cadillac CTS.

Yeah, I found the menu option to change that. The system just doesn't have the woofer to do deep base.

Actually, I'm betting that only the Malibu and Camry couldn't.....

yet. Some of you have the attention span of a fruit fly.

The 2.5 is probably just a 2.4 with a slightly longer stroke and improved valve timing.

Harmon Kardon and on the weak side

And I can still get a flat panel television with that same brand on it.... I wonder if Hyundai will start to include their high end bidet technology in their cars...... say if I'm driving along and I need a bit of a freshening "down there" Hyundai Bidet Catalog

Telling Molly McMansion her new SRX is a FAIL because you don't approve of the drivetrain layout (something she'll have no idea what you are talking about since hers is AWD anyway) is a way of showing concern for Cadillac? The SRX is selling well with new customers that over 50% came from another brand..... like it for what it is... a profit center for Cadillac.

I just took the Regal out on a long trip over some fun roads with another C&Ger, and let me say this, this car is an excellent base for the GS to be built upon. I reiterate my previous statement that only the Mazda6 and Passat CC would likely be able to hang with the Regal in handling. Yet at the same time it's smooth and comfortable on the highway. Accord, Fusion, Camry, Altima, Sonata, Malibu,and G6, would all be in the weeds after some of the turns we took the Regal through today at the speeds we were going. It's very well put together. There are a couple of European things that stand out (like the coin slots in the glovebox that fit 1 Euro coins) We did notice one bit of scratch-your-head interior cheapening, the rear door pulls aren't the faux metallic color of the front door pulls. I can't imagine it would be that much more expensive to make both sets of door pulls match. I like the 110v outlet in the rear seat area and the switchgear is nice. The noise from the sunroof seems oddly loud when it is open. I don't get all the comments I've read in other reviews that the engine is loud....yes it's a 4-cylinder... but it's quieter than most other 4-cylinders I've been in. Most of the time, the engine is utterly silent. The 6-speed auto is swift to shift and the manumatic is usable if you want to have some fun. However on steeper incline passing, it needs two downshifts to gather up enough steam to make it around your obstacle. Fuel economy while we were slamming about was 21mpg. The highway trips were 25mpg with the AC on through the mountains. I personally find the exterior styling very attractive, especially from the rear. I could totally live with one of these on a daily basis if I can get it in AWD, but I'd want the turbo model to make up for the drag of the AWD system. As a true sports sedan, this Regal lacks enough punch to earn that title. But if you're looking for a great handling sedan and aren't concerned with raw 0-60 speed, the Regal should be in the top of your shopping list. If you need both the ability to dance and the ability to run.... well you'll just have to wait for our review of the Turbo Regal. I'll post a full review in about a week along with some counterpoints from the other C&Ger

Bathazar just vents everything I've been try to say, yet so more clearly!

And again, Cadillac has already stated there will be another sedan coming out in 2013 above the XTS that is rear wheel drive. Furthermore, the XTS isn't a V6. It's a V6 Hybrid, same as the S400. Your complaint about the V6 lacking torque compared to a V8 is made up for by the electric drive. Unless Hyundai comes out with a new luxury brand, buying a Hyundai will STILL mean you bought cheapest in the market to get the good warranty. Hyundai will still be pumping out Elantras by the thousands, so don't try to say that someone sitting in their S-Class will be impressed when you pull up in your Hyundai.

Actually, I think the Germans will start coming down market to Cadillac at the same time Cadillac resumes moving up. 4-cylinder XTS-TDI anyone?.... it will go up against the 4-cylinder S-class and A8. However, what if Cadillac's target is no longer the Germans, but most of Lexus?

I've done 33mpg in a '94 Bonneville from NJ to Pittsburgh and back. Not exactly flat. It was my mother's car prior to her current Aurora. The old fish-eye Sable was capable of the same. Did that trip myself also.

And 240hp. If Cadillac put that in the ATS you'd be the first to rake them over the coals for being so low powered. BTW, the LeSabre, 88, and Bonneville could hit 33mpg highway back in 1993 on a 4-speed.

HELOC rates are so low because no one can meet the qualifications for them anymore. GM just surpassed Toyota in quarterly profit on a revenue of $34.1 billion, ...... you think GM's not going to be gearing up for a fight with that?

Why do you guys always look at what Cadillac has on the table today as proof of failure due to some future import? SMK, you were famous for telling everyone how Cadillac was soooo sucky on the CTS because of how much it weighs... and "just you wait, the new 5-series will be here and be even lighter".... then once the day came... Tada! The 5-series is actually heavier than the CTS in certain trims! Sal mentions two future imports as proof of Cadillac's failure while failing to acknowledge that a new top line RWD Cadillac Sedan is coming in 2013 as a 2014 model. If you guys can count future vehicles (that you speculate wildly on) as proof the imports win, than I can use the 2014 Cadillac whatever as proof you're wrong. The only point that Sal might have is on the SRX. But the interior of that vehicle is a move up market over it's predecessor and it's only second in sales in it's class