Drew Dowdell
-
Posts
55,278 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
481
Content Type
Forums
Articles
Gallery
Events
Store
Collections
Everything posted by Drew Dowdell
-
The JL Generation of the Jeep Wrangler may have improper frame welds according to an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation started after a Wrangler owner complained about a frame that had been improperly welded at the factory. As a result of that improper weld, the owner found a number of other problems stemming from the original issue. While no findings have been released, there is enough evidence for the NHTSA to warrant further investigation and the agency has asked FCA for more information regarding the issue. The NHTSA seemed to think that FCA's explanation "did not adequately address whether the frame weld quality deficiencies compromise the structure integrity of the vehicles, and therefor may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety." The investigation further aims to determine if the earlier reported 'death wobble' is related to the frame welding issues. FCA issued a fix for the 'death wobble' last month, but did not turn it into a full recall. Jeep will install a new steering damper, free of charge, to anyone who wishes to have the work completed. View full article -
NHTSA Investigating Wrangler Over Potential Improper Frame Welds
Drew Dowdell posted an article in Jeep
The JL Generation of the Jeep Wrangler may have improper frame welds according to an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The investigation started after a Wrangler owner complained about a frame that had been improperly welded at the factory. As a result of that improper weld, the owner found a number of other problems stemming from the original issue. While no findings have been released, there is enough evidence for the NHTSA to warrant further investigation and the agency has asked FCA for more information regarding the issue. The NHTSA seemed to think that FCA's explanation "did not adequately address whether the frame weld quality deficiencies compromise the structure integrity of the vehicles, and therefor may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety." The investigation further aims to determine if the earlier reported 'death wobble' is related to the frame welding issues. FCA issued a fix for the 'death wobble' last month, but did not turn it into a full recall. Jeep will install a new steering damper, free of charge, to anyone who wishes to have the work completed. -
Jeep News: Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Inbound
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Jeep
Basically yes... a prius you could off-road. -
I'm no great fan of the GM midsize crossovers, but the 3.6 isn't "thirsty", it runs as a 4 cylinder on the highway anyway.
-
Jeep News: Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Inbound
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Jeep
It's a plug in hybrid... it'll have a gasoline engine also, probably the 2.0T or 3.6. -
Cadillac should be producing higher power versions of their 2.0.... plus they have the 2.7 they can utilize now.
-
Back on June 7th, Mercedes-AMG unveiled their newest 4-cylinder engine, and their most powerful. Producing 416 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque in the S Version, it is currently the most powerful 4-cylinder engine currently in production. AMG is also making a base version with 382 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft of torque, both in transverse applications. Initially, this engine will debut in the Mercede A45 S AMG and Mercedes CLA 45 S AMG. According to AMG head, Tobias Moers, expect to see use of this engine expand to other product lines. According the Moers, the engine was designed from the start to be able to be mounted as longitudinal engines. So while it probably won't become a C45 or E45, it could become the standard engine in the C43 or E53. It is also capable of accepting electrification making for an even more powerful option. This strategy of combining a small displacement 4-cylinder with electrification could contribute to Mercedes' strategy of stopping development of new internal combustion engine families. View full article
-
Back on June 7th, Mercedes-AMG unveiled their newest 4-cylinder engine, and their most powerful. Producing 416 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque in the S Version, it is currently the most powerful 4-cylinder engine currently in production. AMG is also making a base version with 382 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft of torque, both in transverse applications. Initially, this engine will debut in the Mercede A45 S AMG and Mercedes CLA 45 S AMG. According to AMG head, Tobias Moers, expect to see use of this engine expand to other product lines. According the Moers, the engine was designed from the start to be able to be mounted as longitudinal engines. So while it probably won't become a C45 or E45, it could become the standard engine in the C43 or E53. It is also capable of accepting electrification making for an even more powerful option. This strategy of combining a small displacement 4-cylinder with electrification could contribute to Mercedes' strategy of stopping development of new internal combustion engine families. -
Uffa! ^^ Spotted a nicely maintained and rust free Jeep Grand Wagoneer in one of the more posh neighborhoods of the city. Saw a museum piece second generation Chevy Cavalier.
-
Well he keeps getting big investments from big companies, so they must see something positive there. I don't recall Tesla getting the same kind of investment funding.
-
The Cadillac needs more wood.... or am I just being old-fashioned?
-
Agree on the Fusion. It might be the last of the solid Fords. I drove an Energi in the spring and it was solid.
-
Jeep News: Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid Inbound
Drew Dowdell replied to Drew Dowdell's topic in Jeep
I think the implication from the article is that it should have the same capability as a standard ICE drivetrain. -
This, exactly, is why 0-60 doesn't matter as much. It's why the Impala feels faster than an 8-second 4-cylinder. It's why some of these 2.0Ts with mediocre peak torque still feel fast when paired with a 9-speed automatic. Heck, even my Encore feels perky when just being driven around town.... it's pulling onto the freeway that its pathetic 138 lb.-ft is really noticed.
-
Jeep is looking to add a plug-in hybrid variant of the Jeep Wrangler sometime in 2020. It will join the lineup next to the Pentastar V6, a Turbocharged inline-4 cylinder, and a newly added Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel. The plug-in hybrid version is a way to get consumers used to an electrified Wrangler, says Jeremy Acevedo, senior manager of insights for Edmunds. "If the Wrangler, arguably the most iconic SUV on the road, can pull off a plug-in hybrid, I think that it does give credibility to this technology having some merit beyond efficiency if it is truly a great off-roader [and] if it does carry that torch well.", Acevedo said. The Wrangler Hybrid should please those environmentally conscious consumers who still want to go off-road. Jeep has yet to share any performance characteristics, but says that capability won't be a problem. A hybrid powered Jeep will have more low-speed torque to deal with off-road challenges, yet still have improved fuel efficiency when on the pavement. Jeep expects that the hybrid powered Wrangler will appeal to a younger consumer. Meanwhile, Jeep dealers say there is pent up demand for the diesel Wrangler with consumers dropping by show rooms asking if it is available yet. View full article
-
Jeep is looking to add a plug-in hybrid variant of the Jeep Wrangler sometime in 2020. It will join the lineup next to the Pentastar V6, a Turbocharged inline-4 cylinder, and a newly added Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel. The plug-in hybrid version is a way to get consumers used to an electrified Wrangler, says Jeremy Acevedo, senior manager of insights for Edmunds. "If the Wrangler, arguably the most iconic SUV on the road, can pull off a plug-in hybrid, I think that it does give credibility to this technology having some merit beyond efficiency if it is truly a great off-roader [and] if it does carry that torch well.", Acevedo said. The Wrangler Hybrid should please those environmentally conscious consumers who still want to go off-road. Jeep has yet to share any performance characteristics, but says that capability won't be a problem. A hybrid powered Jeep will have more low-speed torque to deal with off-road challenges, yet still have improved fuel efficiency when on the pavement. Jeep expects that the hybrid powered Wrangler will appeal to a younger consumer. Meanwhile, Jeep dealers say there is pent up demand for the diesel Wrangler with consumers dropping by show rooms asking if it is available yet. -
Even in my car with a 0-60 that can be measured with a sundial, I rarely ever floor it. I have to disagree with the idea that an 8 second car is slow. Big old RWD Chevy Impalas are 8 second cars and they are way more than the average driver can handle anyway. Part of that is because of the torque they've got.
-
^^^ Clearing out the 2019s for the 2020s to arrive.
-
I'd rather see what the car does at half throttle, but the manufacturers have already found a cheat for that.
-
On Tour - 2019 Buick Regal TourX
Drew Dowdell replied to regfootball's topic in Member's Rides Showcase
GM Packaging really is odd. -
On Tour - 2019 Buick Regal TourX
Drew Dowdell replied to regfootball's topic in Member's Rides Showcase
What did you end up paying? -
On Tour - 2019 Buick Regal TourX
Drew Dowdell replied to regfootball's topic in Member's Rides Showcase
Very nice! Glad to see them sell. -
0 to 60 doesn't matter because you don't go around flooring it all the time
-
take pics!
-
My point is that GM uses its other brands to fill niches (when needed, thankfully no crossover coupes yet). That's why Buick has a wagon and a hatchback. That's why GMC has a luxury line. The GMC Yukon Denali XL and the GLS are only $1000 apart on base price, Escalade stars $5k higher The GLB will likely overlap quite a bit with the Terrain Denali. ... that's why GMC is relevant.
