Big Jeep News
Could the Wrangler of the future be cheaper, weigh less, and even get better fuel economy? A new recyclable thermoplastic technology will be used on the Jeep's hardtops, possibly as soon as next year. It'll knock off about 23 pounds from the production version. This composite is lighter and cheaper than steel, and can even be used for doors, quarter panels, and bumpers. An entire exterior made of this is not likely tomorrow or even the next day, but DaimlerChrylser may be on to a whole new way to make automobiles.
Now, before jumping into the future, DaimlerChrysler has a few things to work out with its existing line. Because thousands of Jeep owners have been bringing their new Grand Cherokees back to dealerships for warranty repairs as a result of a loud rear-axle sound at highway speeds, engineers have assembled a correction kit for the dealers, which includes a few metal pieces that will absorb the axle noise and prevent it from reverberating into the cabin. A Jeep quality-control official called it "conventional axle rumble," although in some cases it can be "imprecisely machined axle parts," making it seem louder.
The axles are said to be the same ones used on the previous generation, but with the all-new design and smoother engine, the noise is more apparent to '99-and-newer vehicles. Via computer, the axle design has now been refined so that everything fits a bit better for future assembly.
OK, But What's Going On In The Backseat?According to Farmer's Insurance Group of Los Angeles, its survey of American drivers revealed the following stats of how they passed the time to and from work:
5 percent: shaved
6 percent: changed clothes
19 percent: put on makeup
31 percent: talked on cell phones
Oh, that's not all. One percent of the men surveyed claimed to also apply makeup, and two percent of women also admitted to shaving.
Solution To Road Rage?
State troopers in Colorado have launched a campaign to pull over slow-go drivers. Because they're holding up the flow of traffic, the Colorado State Patrol says the Sunday drivers will get a talking to and probably a ticket.
Built In...Thailand?
The country has announced that it wants to up its role as one of the main producers of food and cars, among other ventures. It's currently a major player in the shrimp, rice, and electronic-component export business, and it wants to go more technology-based, including vehicles. In fact, Australia is currently where it gets the majority of its truck hits.
What Were The Best Inventions Of The Last 1,000 Years?
Popular Science surveyed its readers with exactly that question, and the automobile made it to number six on the top 10 list. The TV was at the bottom, with electricity coming in first. The toilet/indoor plumbing was number three.