Jeep didn't hold back on the concept models for this year's edition of the Moab Easter Jeep Safari event (March 31 to April 8) having developed not one, not two but six different studies. Judging by viewer comments, the nostalgic Might FC and J-12 pickup trucks are the star attractions of the bunch. We'll probably have more on the Jeep models once the safari kicks off this weekend, but for now, you can get a glimpse of the concepts on film and hear what Jeep boss Mike Manley and Mopar president and CEO Pietro Gorlier have to say about the vehicles in the company's official video, which you'll find directly after the jump. VIDEO
Ah Russia, the land of great artists, endless distances, dashboard mounted cameras and 1,000-horsepower Jeep Grand Cherokees challenging some of the fastest cars around. In this match, we see the previous generation Grand Cherokee SRT-8 that's powered by a Stroker 7.2-liter supercharged V8 engine competing against a completely stock Audi R8 V10 5.2 with 525-horses, a Switzer-prepped Nissan GT-R R850 with 850-ponies and a BMW X6M by Evotech with 620-horsepower. Race through the break to watch the one mile runs.VIDEO
Chinese officials may be withdrawing their support for investments made by foreign automakers, but the Fiat-Chrysler Alliance is still looking for ways to increase its presence in the country. A new report from the Detroit News says that Fiat and Chrysler are currently in "intense negotiations" with the Guangzhou Automobile Group to produce Jeep models for the local market. The Italian automaker has already forged a joint venture with Guangzhou for the manufacturing of a new compact sedan based on the 2013 Dodge Dart, which will most likely be introduced in China at the upcoming Beijing motor show in April. Mike Manley, head of Fiat-Chrysler's Asian operations, says that the growing Chinese market is very important for the group's future, though he admits it's not going to be easy. "If you look at our aspirations for volumes in 2014, 2015, some of the keys to unlocking that is significant growth in China," Manley said. "(But) it's one of the most competitive marketplaces in the world. We are, to a large extent, late to the party." Ironically, as the Detroit News reports, Jeep was the first western automaker to forge a joint venture with a Chinese manufacturer to build the Cherokee in 1984. However, when the Chrysler group brought American Motors Corp. and together the rights to Jeep in 1987, it pulled it out of the Chinese market – not a smart move as it turned out. Manley says that sealing a deal with Guangzhou for the local production of Jeeps is a top priority for the group. "There is no doubt domestic manufacturing of Jeeps is the way to significantly grow our volumes," he said. "Fiat have what I consider to be a very good joint venture partner in Guangzhou. They're very well established in the market." The Chrysler group executive added that while other companies have expressed interest in building Jeep models in China, the firm's goal is to seal a deal with Guangzhou. "This partner is the right one for us. We have common interests that are very much aligned. They have a lot of respect for the Jeep brand," said Manley.
On Wednesday, Porsche confirmed that it will bring the Cayenne Diesel to the U.S. by 2013, but the German company isn't the only automaker with plans to sell a diesel-powered SUV in the States. The Chrysler Group announced today that it would add a diesel version to its Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup in the United States and Canada. The North American diesel model will be manufactured at the firm's Jefferson North Assembly Plant [JNAP] in Detroit. In addition, Chrysler revealed that it would add a third crew and 1,100 new jobs at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant next year. Current employment at the plant is approximately 2,890 workers. "We believe that investing in Detroit is not only the right thing to do, but it is a smart thing to do as we work to write the next chapter in our shared history," said Chrysler Group Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne. 
The automaker did not divulge any more details but there's a good chance that the North American market Grand Cherokee Diesel will be offered with the same engine as its European counterpart. The latter is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 CRD common-rail turbo diesel available in two states of tune delivering 190HP at 4,000rpm and 440Nm (324.5 lb-ft) at 1,600-2,800rpm, and 241HP at 4,000rpm and 550Nm (405.7 lb-ft) at 1,800-2,800rpm. Both versions of the V6 are matted to a five-speed automatic transmission. The 190HP model accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 10.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 191km/h (119mph) while returning a combined fuel consumption of 8.3 lt/100km (28.4mpg) in the European cycle. The more potent 241HP variant goes from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.2 seconds en route to a top speed of 202km/h (126mph) but returns the same fuel economy at 8.3 lt/100km (28.4mpg). PHOTO GALLERY
