Since the second world war ended, Jeep has been available to the general public and it is the vehicle which gave way to the rise of sport/utility vehicles now common with virtually all automakers.

Jeep itself has survived its own turbulence having been bought and sold several times over the course of its lifetime. Willys, Kaiser and American Motors were the earliest owners of the Jeep brand followed by Chrysler Corporation, DaimlerChrysler and the all new Chrysler LLC company formed in 2007 when Chrysler was separated from its German parent, the new Daimler AG.

Since 1993, the flagship vehicle in the Jeep fleet is the Grand Cherokee although the newer Commander is actually the largest Jeep model currently sold. That latter model has been a slow seller and will probably be discontinued after the current model year.

If Jeep lives long enough, customers will see a new model next year, the 2011 Grand Cherokee. Now entering its fourth generation, the Grand Cherokee will probably be the final model produced by Chrysler LLC as the company is basically bankrupt and hoping that its pending alliance with Fiat SpA works out. If Chrysler and Fiat are able to strike up a deal, then Jeep would be included in that plan. If not, a bankrupt Chrysler would be sold off in pieces with Jeep likely to go to the highest bidder.

The next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps its off-road capabilities intact despite contrary rumors suggesting that the vehicle would be transformed into a crossover model. Featuring all-new Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the Grand Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability along with the new Selec-Terrain system that allows the driver to choose the drive system that best matches on- or off-road driving conditions. New front and rear independent suspension systems deliver premium on-road handling and comfort.

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s standard engine is an all-new flexible fuel 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine is an all-new design featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block in a 60-degree configuration. This engine will offer an 11% increase in fuel economy while customers will also be able to choose a HEMI V-8 for additional power and towing capabilities.

No matter what becomes of Jeep, the brand’s legendary track record remains Chrysler’s most valuable asset, one that will likely continue whether Fiat or some other company gains control over the world’s oldest off-road brand.

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Among the many new cars and concept vehicles that were rolled out at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, the Acura ZDX created some of the most buzz. What Acura calls a four-door sports coupe, visitors to the show have named it one of the most impressive looking new vehicles among scores introduced, a true game changer for the Acura brand.

The ZDX was designed to include rousing styling, contemporaneous luxury and fastidious refinement. Featuring aesthetic curves, an aggressively raked roofline and conspicuous fender flares, the ZDX embodies the design traits found in a coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle.

A streamlined design running from the headlights to the length of the car helps to punctuate the car’s presence and elegance. In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are smartly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass liftgate opens widely to bring out a highly utilitarian cargo space with integrated under-floor repository. The prototype is finished off with chic dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels outfitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.

“From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be,” said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. “My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior.”

Inside, the ZDX expresses contemporary luxury while focusing on coddling front passengers. The cabin is awash in leather, an attribute which gives the interior a luxurious and welcoming feel. The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants.

Premium leather seats are highly bolstered to aid passengers during sporty driving while providing comfort for a long trip. A black monochromatic center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim. The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters. The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a exciting view of the world around them.

The production version of the ZDX will arrive in Acura dealerships this fall and will pair an all-new six speed automatic transmission to a powerful V-6 engine. All wheel drive is standard as are the usual Acura attributes including class leading handling and cornering.

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All the talk about Saab being sold or discontinued loses site of one thing: the automaker is still a viable, albeit small player in the world of fine European automobiles.

A case in point is the all new 9-3X Crossover, a vehicle which adds a positive light to the brand’s popular 9-3 franchise. Along with a convertible, sedan and a wagon, the 2010 Saab 9-3X Crossover completes the 9-3 line, giving Saab the right mix of vehicles in a bid to compete effectually in the tough premium small vehicle segment.

According to General Motors, the 9-3X features Saab’s respected Cross Wheel Drive (XWD) system. The XWD made its debut in the Turbo X limited edition model last year and will be combined with the fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. The 9-3X represents Saab’s “EcoPower” technology school of thought, which aims at uniting an energizing driving experience with an efficient use of resources to accomplish trustworthy performance.

The Saab 9-3X is a car in tune with the less-is-more needs of today’s customers. “The 9-3X is an efficient all-rounder for anyone who doesn’t want or need an SUV- type vehicle,” says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief. “Simply put, we are offering a trekking shoe that will do what’s required in more comfort and style than a heavier mountaineering boot.”

On the exterior of Saab’s new crossover, the front and rear bumpers sport a dark gray, grained finish that is also applied to the side sills and the edges of the wheel arches as a protective covering when the terrain becomes loose or muddy. This artistic style is complemented by skid panels with a matte aluminum finish, curving up towards the door opening at the rear and adopting a wing form in the lip of the lower front bumper. These are matched by matte, aluminum-colored lower door decor strips. Roof rails and visible, twin round exhaust tailpipes are standard. Front fog lights ringed with a chrome finish add yet another conspicuous touch.

Underneath the 9-3X, the hardware includes an electronically-controlled Torque Transfer Device (TTD), which varies power transfer between the axles. A valve increases or reduces hydraulic pressure on wet clutch plates inside the TTD to progressively secure or disengage the rear axle. The degree of ‘slip’ dictates how much drive is transmitted to the rear wheels. A standard rear limited slip differential (eLSD) operates on the same rule, splitting drive across the axle to whichever wheel has more grip.

Inside, the 9-3X is designed to make loading sports and leisure equipment effortless, matching form with function. The rear cargo area, with a low floor, is amazingly roomy and well-proportioned. The compact design of the rear suspension allows a deep box-like space, unbound from intrusions, offering multipurpose rear seat up/down space.

The 60/40 split rear seat-back incorporates a ski-hatch and folds down without any need to move the fixed seat cushion. The fold-down front passenger seat-back also makes it possible to carry items that are as long as 8 feet.

The 9-3X will make its official debut at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March. The vehicle will go on sale later this summer as a 2010 model, completing the 9-3 range with its fourth and perhaps most significant design.

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The ZDX was designed to include rousing styling, contemporaneous luxury and fastidious refinement. Featuring aesthetic curves, an aggressively raked roofline and conspicuous fender flares, the ZDX embodies the design traits found in a coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle.

A streamlined design running from the headlights to the length of the car helps to punctuate the car’s presence and elegance. In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are smartly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass liftgate opens widely to bring out a highly utilitarian cargo space with integrated under-floor repository. The prototype is finished off with chic dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels outfitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.

“From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be,” said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. “My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior.”

Inside, the ZDX expresses contemporary luxury while focusing on coddling front passengers. The cabin is awash in leather, an attribute which gives the interior a luxurious and welcoming feel. The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants.

Premium leather seats are highly bolstered to aid passengers during sporty driving while providing comfort for a long trip. A black monochromatic center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim. The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters. The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a exciting view of the world around them.

The production version of the ZDX will arrive in Acura dealerships this fall and will pair an all-new six speed automatic transmission to a powerful V-6 engine. All wheel drive is standard as are the usual Acura attributes including class leading handling and cornering.

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So how do you choose firstly a website, then a company, then the policy, that is going to be right for your prized possession, your cherished classic car?

You could like the majority of people start off by visiting a large car insurance comparison site, such as the ones you will see advertising during virtually every commercial break on television. don’t expect to find any bargains at these types of sites. They are designed around standard polices for standard vehicles, and although many of these sites willl now quote for classic cars, the premiums are often heavily loaded and more often far from competitive. Having spent time filling out the application form online it can be disappointing to find that most companies on the comparison panel are refusing to quote for your particular classic, or have loaded the premium as the do not want your business. For the majority of the large car insurance companies, classic cars mainly equate to expensive claims, and not profitable target business.

When comparing what can at first appear to be, cheap classic car insurance through one of thee large supermarket distribution outlets, be very careful to read all the wordings in the small print, paying particular close attention to the information regarding claims.

If you own a classic car you need to ascertain that in the event of an accident your classic car will be taken to a specialist or maker approved repairer and that only genuine replacement parts will be used on your car to repair it. Unfortunately you will find that most mainstream car insurers have a network of approved repairers nationwide, and will often insist that cars covered under their policy contracts must be repaired through these outlets. In situations such as this, what appeared to be a bargain cheap car insurance deal at source, could prove to be a very expensive mistake.

The solution to the problem is to approach a specialist car insurer or broker, in particular one who has experience in underwriting classic motors, and preferably has a large book of business of classic car insurance. Unlike in many other professions for example healthcare, a specialist in car insurance is often cheaper than the High Street names and offer better value quality cover that can be tailored to the requirements of your specific classic car make and model. By specialising in a particular market niche these car insurers have developed group schemes for virtually every type of classic. By joining one of these schemes you are joining a risk pool of like minded individuals and similar cars. The specialist car insurer is able to determine more accurate rates for a particular classic and you will also benefit from the power of group buying which delivers economies of scale in the form of shared risks and cheaper premiums.

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