JEEP WRANGLER GAINS COLOUR-MATCHED HARDTOP
After years of rumors about a colour-matched multi-piece hard top, Jeep will apparently finally offer the highly-demanded accessory from the factory for the 2011 model year. Jeep has hinted that the 2011 Wrangler will receive a light update for the new model year. Claimed that the 2011 Wranglers will see a handful of specification changes such as steering wheel radio controls for the uplevel Sport B and an AC outlet and automatic headlamps for the Sahara. Newly optional on Saharas will be heated power mirrors and heated seats. The 3.8-liter V6 is expected to continue; implementation of Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter Phoenix V6 might have to wait until 2012.
FORD HINTS AT 400-HP TAURUS SHO
Blue Oval execs rolled out the red carpet for Taurus SHO owners last week in Dearborn, MI to welcome 100 privately owned examples and many more enthusiasts to town for the 19th annual national Taurus SHO convention. Ford would love nothing more than to win the approval of the already rabid SHO enthusiast community, many of whom appreciate the performance potential of two turbos and all-wheel drive but aren’t necessarily on board with the new super-sized model. To that end, Ford dropped some not-so-subtle hints on what could be in store for the next SHO, a model rumored to be on deck for 2013.
Advanced Engine Design and Development Engineer Brett Hinds spoke at length about the EcoBoost V6 during the Tuesday presentation, noting that the 3.5-liter engine had the potential for considerably more power, as we’ll likely see later this year between the fenders of the F-150. That version of the EcoBoost will definitely produce more torque than the SHO’s mill, but if the rumors of 400 horsepower for the F-150 are true, a more muscular SHO could indeed be just around the corner.
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