Name the Next Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep unveiled a new Grand Cherokee concept at the Houston Auto Show, but it doesn't have a name yet. The automaker also launched the "Name My Ride" contest to name the production-intent vehicle. Aside from naming (and bragging) rights, the winner will also take home a new 2012 Grand Cherokee.

Distinguishing it from the regular Grand Cherokee, the concept rides on black-gloss 20-inch aluminum wheels, has platinum-chrome front-end trim with a mesh grille, black headlamp bezels and a black liftgate light bar. In other words, Chrysler is going for a more menacing look with this version of Grand Cherokee. 

Dodge Dart Shines Light on Future Chrysler-Fiat Vehicles

The 2013 Dodge Dart is the first compact sedan from Chrysler in nearly seven years. That in itself is a milestone, but the car also looks competitive against the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Chevrolet Cruze.

Chrysler's compact car plans are thanks to its new partner, Fiat. In the Dart we get the first real-world example of what to expect from upcoming replacement vehicles for the Jeep Liberty, Chrysler 200 and others in the future.

Chrysler has stated that the Dart's underpinnings are based off a new basic platform originally used to design and produce the Alfa Romeo Giulietta in Europe. Chrysler says the Dart platform — called Compact U.S. Wide — will also underpin most of its upcoming midsize and large sedans, crossovers, SUVs and minivans. The exceptions are the Jeep Wrangler, which will remain body-on-frame, Ram's trucks and the 2013 SRT Viper.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Video

Those looking for the most versatile performance car money can buy should look no further than … Jeep? It may seem odd, but the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and it can tow 5,000 pounds and carry the kids and their friends to and from school. That's a lot to ask from an SUV, but the Grand Cherokee SRT8 delivers, according to Cars.com editor Joe Bruzek.

Diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee Coming Next Year

Chrysler announced that not only was it hiring a third shift of workers to build more of its popularly redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee in Detroit, but that it would also add a diesel version of the SUV to the lineup sometime next year.

There weren’t more details about the vehicle itself in terms of specs or mileage, but the company also confirmed the next SRT Viper sports car — not called a Dodge — will go on sale this year as a 2013 model.

Which Cars Fit Three Car Seats?

Parents are often searching for the automotive holy grail: a car that's not a minivan and can fit three child-safety seats across the backseat. It's a short list. In the nearly two years that Cars.com editor Kelsey Mays, Cars.com photographer Ian Merritt and I have been installing car seats into test vehicles, we've come across only a handful of cars that can hold three car seats across a backseat.

We recently tested the 2012 Mercedes-Benz M-Class and it fit three car seats in it. To be considered a fit, there must be enough room between the booster seat and infant-safety seat for a child's hand to reach the seat belt buckle.

Updated Favorites Top Holiday Car-Shopping Lists

Black Friday shopping isn't just relegated to hot new gadgets and deep discounts. Last month, car buyers snapped up nostalgic nameplates like they were going out of style. But while the names were familiar, the oldies that sold best had shiny new wrappers.

America's longtime best-selling car, the Toyota Camry, was recently revamped for 2012. Sales jumped 13% last month thanks to the new design, and the Camry beat Honda's staler Accord by more than 9,000 units. The Camry reigned supreme as America's best-selling car with a 2,827-unit lead over the Nissan Altima.

America's fourth- and fifth-best-selling SUVs in November were two much-improved versions of formerly past-their-prime nameplates. Year-over-year, Ford Explorer sales jumped 217% to 12,888. Compared with October, Explorer sales climbed 7.5% in a market that shrank 2.6%.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Car Seat Check

This Car Seat Check was first published in September 2010 on MotherProof.com.

With its new look, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has garnered lots of attention. This perennial family favorite has shed its boxy ways in favor of a sleek design. To remain popular, this redesigned SUV needs to comfortably hold the kids and their child-safety seats in the backseat. While our test found that the backseat can easily accommodate three car seats, we did run into a few problems.

For the Car Seat Check, we use a rear-facing infant-safety seat, a convertible child-safety seat and a high-back booster seat, all made by Graco.

Recall Alert: 2012 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep Vehicles

Chrysler is recalling about 667 2012-model-year vehicles equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 over an engine issue that can lead to power loss, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2012 models included in the recall are the Chrysler 200, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Charger, Dodge Durango, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

In the affected vehicles, which were built between Aug. 25 and Sept. 5, the engine blocks weren’t cleaned properly. The result is hard debris can damage the connecting rod, main bearings and crankshaft, leading to engine failure. If the engine seizes up while driving, the risk of a crash can increase.

The recall is expected to begin in early October. Chrysler dealerships will replace the engine, free of charge. If owners already have repaired the problem, Chrysler will reimburse the expense if it wasn’t covered by the warranty.  Owners can call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more info.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Gets $3,000 Price Cut, Upgraded Wrangler Price Unchanged

The popular fourth-generation 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee sees a price cut of $3,220 for the base Laredo trim when it goes on sale next month. It will now start at $26,995. The 2012 Grand Cherokee also gets some new powertrain tech that should increase fuel economy for both V-6- and V-8-equipped models.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler — with a much needed new V-6 that's more efficient and powerful — will go on sale with the same entry-level price as the 2011 model. 

Chrysler's SRT8 Lineup Priced

Chrysler confirmed pricing on its 2012 SRT8 lineup today. The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 will start at $54,470; the 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8 will come in at $47,170; the 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 at $45,795; and the refreshed 2012 Dodge Challenger at $43,995, said Wendy Orthman, Chrysler spokeswoman. All prices exclude a destination fee.

All models include daylong track eligibility, with a “first-rate” driving instructor who will help teach basic performance street and track driving techniques, according to Chrysler.

Overall, the Challenger SRT8 sees the smallest price increase — up $1,215 from 2011 — but it gets more power. The brand-new Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a whopping $11,145 more expensive than its 2010 predecessor. The Charger SRT8 sees a more than $7,000 increase and the Chrysler 300 SRT8 about a $2,000 increase over their older models.

Continue reading below to see what you get for the price.