Jeep’s Wrangler SUV, with a transfer case and solid axles front and rear, has always been more of an off-roader than today’s crop of soft-roaders. The 2011 Wrangler, however, gives the driver and passengers a seriously upgraded interior, as well as optional color-matched hardtops, adding refinement and comfort to the Wrangler’s storied off-road capability.

“The iconic Jeep Wrangler keeps getting better,” said Jeep president and CEO Mike Manley. “While retaining unmatched, legendary capability, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler boasts an all-new interior that delivers a host of comfort, convenience, and versatility features.”

Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne promised to deliver 16 new or significantly upgraded Chrysler models by the end of 2011, and the 2011 Wrangler certainly fits the bill. The revised Wrangler features a vastly superior interior to the outgoing 2010 models, as well as a redesigned instrument panel and center console. Given the Wrangler’s off-road intentions, previous interior quality was passable, but the changes make the Wrangler’s cabin a nice place to spend time.

Hard plastics abound in the current Wrangler’s cabin, but soft-touch materials cover the instrument panel, door panels, and center console of the 2011 Wrangler.  The materials also make the interior in the legendary off-roader look rather luxurious.

In addition to upgraded materials, the whole instrument panel has been redesigned. The center console features improved ergonomics and a new lockable glovebox. Jeep also swapped out steering wheels, opting for a redesigned unit with integrated vehicle function buttons. The driver can now control the radio, cruise control, and a Bluetooth-connected phone, along with various other functions, hands-free. Jeep also added several 12-volt accessory outlets as well as a standard 110-volt AC outlet.

The big news for the 2011 Wrangler may be its upgraded interior, but the exterior hasn’t been left alone. Enhancements are limited to five new color choices and a body-color hard top, which gives the Wrangler a more upscale appearance to complement the new interior.

Production of the 2011 Wrangler commenced earlier this week at Jeep’s Toledo, Ohio, assembly plant. Expect deliveries to begin later this fall.

Source: Chrysler

 Autocar is reporting that at the Paris auto show in October, a larger and lighter second-generation X3 will be revealed, carrying with it new technology from the upcoming 3 Series. Expect a new all-wheel drive system, and a ThyssenKrup-developed mechanical-electric steering system that will replace the ZF hydraulic setup found in the current model.

According to Autocar, who cites unnamed, “highly placed” sources at BMW, an X3 ActiveHybrid variant is in development but likely won’t emerge until 2012.

The 2011 X3 will grow larger in every dimension, per the report: 3.3 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider, 1.4 inches taller, and with a wheelbase lengthened by 0.6 inches. Yet, despite the increase, BMW engineers say weight falls by 55 pounds in the European entry-level model, the — deep breath — X3xDrive20d.

The exterior growth also creates more interior space. Rear seat legroom is up 0.8 inches, and luggage capacity grows by 2.8 cubic-feet. According to the report, BMW has also turned its attention to interior quality, adding upgraded dashboard and trim materials.

Autocar pins the entry model with the standard Getrag six-speed manual, but the rest of the lineup will use a ZF eight-speed automatic and stop-start technology. In Europe, two gasoline and two diesel straight-sixes will be available, the former ranging from 268 horsepower without power-adders to 302 horsepower with two turbochargers.

Stay tuned for more as the next-generation X3’s launch date nears.

Source: Autocar, BMW