The 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show will be opening its door once again and General Motors Corporation promises to bring out the newest version of its popular Cadillac line, the Cadillac BLS Wagon. GM will also be bringing in other cars like the Cadillac BLS Flexpower, as well as the coupe and convertible versions of its Corvette C6. For fans of the major blockbuster movie hit “Transformers”, Ratchet – the Hummer Autobot will also appear in the show.

GM will be revealing the newest addition to its wagon line-up, the Cadillac BLS Wagon which, according to the US car maker, is another milestone for their car brand. The new wagon will be available in two new engines: the 2.0L Flexpower version which uses E85 for the eco-friendly and the turbo diesel engine handling a 132 kW (180 hp).

GM will also be showing another version of it CTS this year, the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS. The automaker gave the new CTS more dramatic designs to bring out the best performance of the new car. However, the new version of CTS still sports the legendary design and lineage, only that GM gave the new car with more features that could boost its reputation as a luxury car brand. The car is available in two engine options: the 3.6L direct-injection V-6 VVT which is given more power this time as well as the 2.8L V-6. It will also come into a rear wheel drive and all wheel drive. Other versions will be the SRX, STS, XLR-V and the Cadillac Escalade.

There will be no new Saab model with new Saab fuel injectors in the Frankfurt show, but GM will be unveiling the new Corvette which features a huge 6.2L LS3 small-block V8 under its hood. Two versions of the Corvette will be in the Motor Show: the Coupe and the Convertible. Both feature the 321 kW or a 436 horsepower on a 586 Nm of torque. The six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission will be a standard specification for the L3 and is the fastest Corvette with 0-96 km/h or 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. Both cars are capable of running on a top speed of 306 km/h or 190 mph.

For Transformers fans, the HUMMER H2 will also be showing off its wares in the show. The iconic Ratchet will be sharing the stage with its sibling; the Hummer H3. Details of the H2 will be revealed on the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The country’s largest motor show has already opened its doors and the public is once again treated to a wide display of amazing concept vehicles and production vehicles. One of the redesigned production vehicles for the 2008 model year is the Jeep Liberty.

The mid-size sport utility vehicle was introduced back in the year 2002 and this year marks its first redesign. The upgrades in the 2008 Jeep Liberty are made to further enhance the off-road driving capability of the nimble Jeep Liberty.

The 2008 installment of the Jeep Liberty is equipped with a new independent front suspension which gives it the ability to tackle rough terrain without sacrificing the comfort of its occupants. A five-link rear suspension is also part of the enhancements made to the Jeep Liberty. Handling is also refined with the inclusion of a power rack-and-pinion steering gear. The combination of the suspension and steering system gives the Jeep Liberty one of the best off-road driving capabilities found in its class.

The 2008 model year version of the Jeep Liberty can also come with either a Selec-Trac II or a Command-Trac drive system. The Selec-Trac is a full-time four wheel drive configuration while the Command-Trac is a part-time four wheel drive system. Consumers can choose between the two for their choice of wheel drive systems which would suit their needs or driving preferences.

The power of the 2008 Jeep Liberty comes from a 3.7-liter single overhead cam V6 engine. The powerplant produces 210 units of horsepower at 5,200 revs per minute and produces torque of 235 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. To transfer that power from the engine to the wheels, two choices of gear boxes are available. Consumers can either opt for a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. Both of which are energy efficient just like the Jeep window motors that powers the vehicle’s power windows. The smooth gear changes facilitated by either of the two transmissions improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

The 2008 Jeep Liberty has an EPA gas mileage rating of 23 miles per gallon which is truly an improvement over the previous versions of the Liberty.

Aside from the changes in its performance parts, the Jeep Liberty also received improvements in its exterior and interior design. The redesigned Liberty is characterized by rugged looks found in its ancestors. One of the most notable features of the 2008 Jeep Liberty is its Sky Slide™ technology. It is essentially a canvass roof that fully opens to give that “Only in a Jeep” open air feel.

The interior of the vehicle is also upgraded to give the vehicle better versatility. Storage capacity is increased compared to the previous version of the vehicle. The seats are also improved to provide better comfort to consumers even on extended road trips.

When it comes to safety, the Jeep Liberty boasts of a lot of advanced safety features which are designed to avoid accidents or reduce dramatically the risk of sustaining severe injuries. The Jeep Liberty is equipped with an Electronic Stability Program which allows it to make tight turns without the risk of rolling over. Aside from that, the new Jeep Liberty also features Electronic Roll Mitigation, All-speed Traction Control, and Brake Assists. Standard features for the vehicle also include anti-lock braking systems, rain sensing wipers, tire pressure monitors, and a complete lineup of airbags.

The 2008 Jeep Liberty will be hitting showrooms in the United States by the third quarter of this year.

The Paris Motor Show is soon going to open and all people interested in meeting the best of the best vehicles there is would sure be running towards that mentioned grand event. And the manufacturer of superb Chrysler parts has announced its own share of vehicles that would be gracing the mentioned auto show.

According to the Chrysler Group, they would be sending out two new vehicles for the Paris Motor Show. One would be the all new Jeep Wrangler while the other one would be the Dodge Avenger. And as per the latter, Chrysler even further says that this new vehicle actually is soon going to be marketed as a brand new saloon vehicle and it would be coming to the United Kingdom’s market come the middle of 2007.

During the mentioned auto show that will be held in the European region, it would also be the very first time that the newly revamped and upgraded Jeep Wrangler would be shown in the continent. According to Chrysler, they would be showing off the Jeep Wrangler in two versions. One would be the one that holds two doors while the other one would be the Jeep wrangler unlimited Edition and this would be holding four doors. Come the month of April next year, the United Kingdom auto maker would be able to purchase the vehicle. And as per the kind of power this vehicle has? Well, let us simply say that the new Jeep Wrangler would be sold mounted with the new 2.8 liter engine that runs on diesel fuel. But Chrysler further informs that there would be a couple of units that would be coming in with a 3.8 liter engine that would be running on petrol fuel.

The Dodge Avenger, on the other hand, is a vehicle that sure would be holding the interest of many of the auto show’s goers. It sure does look like a muscle car and with that you would also know that it would be holding a really good amount of power. Chrysler also informed the public that this vehicle would be really friendly to the family and it also has got a good fuel economy and would be a very efficient vehicle at that.

The press reveal of the all new 2011 Jeep grand cherokee at the 2009 New York Auto Show

Every July in Western Canada there is outdoor festival that attracts ten of thousand people nicknamed “The greatest outdoor show on earth”.  The official name for this outrageous festival is “The Calgary Stampede” and it takes place for ten days at the beginning of every July.  This upcoming year will be the 98th annual Calgary Stampede and it runs from July 9th -19th, 2010. While at the Calgary Stampede there are many events that take place that range from rodeo’s to western dancing but the real attraction and arguably the most famous event is the Calgary Stampede chuck wagon races.

The Calgary Stampede chuck wagon races are a heart pounding and exhilarating experience. This event has been nicknamed the “the half mile of hell” because of how dangerous and challenging it can be. The event will run for the entire 10 days of the Stampede with a grand finale where riders will have a chance to win a large purse of at least $100,000. The event usually will host sixteen teams which have all gone through some intense qualifiers throughout the year. A chuck wagon team consists of four horses and one driver that pull at four wheeled wagon once around the “half mile of hell”. Each race will have four teams pitted against each other and will run in heats for the duration of the event. For the first couple of days of the Calgary Stampede chuck wagon races the event is mostly for practice and exhibition. As the ten day festival comes to an end the event becomes much more competitive and exciting. It is not uncommon for there to be major accidents that involve serious injuries to both the riders and the horses sometimes involving death near the end of the festival. Because of the dangerous nature of the event it has been subject to much criticism and many activist groups have been trying to have it banned from the Calgary Stampede. As a result the Calgary Stampede has made a few safety regulations that have made the chuck wagon races much safer and less prone to serious accidents; however, talks of removing the races have never been entertained because it is the pinnacle of what the festival is all about.

If you ever plan to travel to Calgary make sure to do so in the first two weeks of July because you will definitely not regret it. The Calgary Stampede is and will forever be the greatest outdoor show on earth in my opinion and I will continue to attend it every year. If you do decide to attend the festival it is an absolute must you witness the Calgary Stampede chuck wagon races and feel the excitement for yourself. The event is unforgettable and something straight out of an old western flick.

For more information such as videos, pictures and ticketing for this event please visit Calgary chuck wagon races

For our 4th and final day at the SEMA Show 2007, in Las Vegas, Nevada, we made a stop over at Rubicon Express to talk to them more about their 4.5″ long arm kit, ARB to learn more about their 2″ Old Man Emu or OME lift kit and AlloyUSA to get the latest information on their new Jeep JK Wrangler front axles.

Day 3 of SEMA 2008 took us over to Bestop where we got to check out some of the cool new products they have available now such as their all new Trektop soft top, front and rear Highrock Bumpers, rocker guards and all new door arm rest pads. We also got a first hand look at some of the things that are in the works now such as their BestRail concept and roof rack system. Next, we stopped over at Dynatrac where we got a chance to see their all new Pro Rock 44 front axle which is a super beefy replacement to the factory dana 44 JK front axle. To watch the video, simply click on the screen or link below:

Jitterbuggin on the big boat

The Jeep brand is continuously expanding and conquering new territories with the premiere of its new Jeep Patriot at the Geneva Motor Show for this week.

The Patriot is Jeep’s new entry-level price point in the UK once it finally launches this summer. The Patriot combines interior flexibility and packaging of an SUV but with the performance, fuel economy, handling, and price of a family hatchback.

According to Peter Lambert, managing Director of Chrysler Group UK, “You can’t escape the fact that the new Jeep Patriot looks like a classic Jeep- but there is nothing old-fashioned about the performance and fuel economy of this compact SUV or its state-of-the-art four wheel drive system.” He also added, “The market place is changing and the Jeep brand is leading that change as the Compact SUV market grows. Our research shows that the Jeep Patriot appeals to younger customers that want more from their traditional family car – young families want a vehicle that looks different but still offers plenty of room and practicality, together with great performance and fuel economy.”

And since safety is becoming the primary priority for customers, Jeep has made sure that the Patriot is loaded with many standard features including side-curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), ESP or Electronic Stability Programme with Electronic Roll Mitigation and the Freedom Drive I full-time and active four-wheel drive system. Add to that the top-of-the-line auto parts and accessories like Jeep car cover which boosts Patriot’s tremendous value.

Lambert further stated, “Small family cars with four-wheel drive systems are becoming more sought after as they offer better handling and enhanced safety on the road. The higher seating position of the Patriot, together with the new four-wheel drive system that automatically switches from front to four-wheel drive if you lose traction, offers drivers a real advantage in everyday driving conditions. The Patriot is as much at home on wet and icy tarmac as on mud, sand, or snow and still manages to achieve a class-leading 43.5 mpg.”

The Jeep Patriot is available in two variants: the Patriot Limited and Patriot Sport both are to be offered in the UK and will have a price below the Jeep Compass Limited model. The official launching of the Patriot’s range in the UK is scheduled in July 2007 and will also include the introduction of a VW-sourced 138bhp 2.0 liter six-speed manual diesel engine and a 168 bhp 2.4 liter petrol engine with a five-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox.

Going through the Jeep obstacle course in a 2007 4 door Wrangler rubicon