Showing posts with label jeep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jeep. Show all posts

Monday, 17 October 2011

Hummer H2


Hummer H2

The Hummer H2 was the more popular, scaled down version of the Hummer family. The H1 was actually a military vehicle that just wasn’t quite suitable for the family driveway. With its block shape and stand out grill these SUVs were recognizable from a distance by all those young and old. The Hummer H2 was definitely a stand out when it comes to off road driving. Each one was sold as a customized model, as the dealers and factories would offer some incredible options that allowed almost every customer to create their own specialized version.


Hummer H2

The Hummer H2 was popular because of its uniqueness and its appeal with the elite and famous. However, most people eventually found that the very things that made it attractive (shape, size, etc) were the very same things that tended to make it rather impractical. Parking, whether it was in a space or the dreaded parallel version, was often impossible. Handling normal city streets and corners could pose a problem. The cargo room available on the Hummer H2 was surprisingly small for such a cavernous vehicle. Thus, in 2009 the last of the H2 series was produced.

Hummer H2

The Hummer H2 was definitely designed to be a powerhouse with a 393 horsepower engine. The 6.0 liter V8 was directed by the 6 speed automatic transmission and could cut through fuel like a hot knife through soft butter. While it was very powerful, the H2 also offered features that made it even more likeable to the off road enthusiast. The dual range transfer case, driver engaged rear differential locking mechanism, and drive by wire throttle for low range gearing made the H2 impressive when it came to rock climbing and other off the beaten path adventures.


The Hummer H2 was designed with 10 inches of clearance, making it easier to handle in off road adventures. The ability to maintain a 42 degree approach angle and control a 38 degree departure angle drew in those who wanted a serious adventure-mobile. The typical seating arrangement made space for 5 regular size bodies and the optional seating upgrade added the third row passenger seat. Climbing up into the vehicle was considerably challenging for many, and exiting almost always meant a short free fall to the ground. Yet despite the problems within populated areas, restricted parking garages, driver blind spots from the general shape and size, the H2 was still a dream come true for a lot of people.


The Hummer H2 probably would have survived the criticism it drew with the exception of the poor fuel economy. As gas prices continued to rise and more people became openly concerned about environmental impact of large vehicles the political pressure to not own one became more powerful for many than the dream of owning one. 

With special rock climbing talent and the eventual upgrading of the interior design the Hummer H2 is still found on used car lots. With a unique place in automotive history the various qualities of a Hummer will be loved by some and despised by others but there is no denying that there is something about the bold design that is intriguing. Even dedicated hybrid drivers have turned their heads a time or two just to take in the massive shape and impressive build affectionately known as the “gas guzzler of the century.”











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Sunday, 16 October 2011

Jeep Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler

Perhaps the quintessential niche vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler has held the crown of ultimate off-roader ever since it was offered to the general public. This SUV's lineage goes back more than 60 years to the original military "Jeep," the now-legendary 4x4 that transported World War II soldiers and supplies over very rough terrain.
Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler moniker came about in the mid-1980s as the singular replacement for the earlier CJs. Although the Jeep Wrangler did its forebears proud in terms of off-road prowess, a combination of that still-short wheelbase, loud and drafty cabin and tepid performance meant it was annoying at best as a daily commuter and road trip vehicle.
Jeep Wrangler
For the most recent version of the Jeep Wrangler , Jeep has attempted to make it more civilized via a new four-door body style, a more contemporary interior and new safety and convenience features. But die-hard Jeep enthusiasts shouldn't be too worried about this softening: The latest Jeep Wrangler stays true to its original purpose of providing rugged off-road capability and distinctive style.


Jeep Wrangler
All current Jeep Wranglers come with a 3.8-liter V6 engine capable of 202 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. The V6 is connected to a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. Most models are four-wheel-drive, though a rear-drive version of the Unlimited is available.

Three trim levels are offered: bare-bones Sport, midlevel Sahara and serious off-road-oriented Rubicon. The latter trim adds heavy-duty axles, extra-low gearing and electronically locking front and rear differentials. Each trim level is available in two body styles: a short-wheelbase two-door or the long-wheelbase four-door Unlimited. This year's Jeep Wrangler features improved interior materials, added acoustic insulation and new amenities like automatic climate control, heated seats and Bluetooth.

Age-old and desirable attributes such as compact dimensions (provided you choose the two-door version), high ground clearance, steep approach and departure angles and a no-nonsense four-wheel-drive system with an aggressive low-range function still apply to today's Jeep Wrangler, and it remains a popular choice among hard-core off-roaders.

Make no mistake, the ride is still stiff, and on the road the Jeep Wrangler's modest handling and acceleration abilities can actually be bested by most minivans. With its removable doors, zip-up plastic windows and hose-out interior, the Jeep Wrangler may be too rough for many consumers. But unlike past Jeep Wrangler, the new model is at least more tolerable thanks to a much quieter cabin, more comfortable seats and the availability of luxuries such as a CD changer, a navigation system and power windows.










Courtesy By:
http://www.edmunds.com/jeep/wrangler/

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